According to AS, Real Madrid are plotting a massive squad overhaul in the summer. After being hit by the Coronavirus pandemic, the Spanish giants are ready to offload several star players in the summer, including Gareth Bale, Lucas Vazquez, Mariano and James Rodriguez. Luka Modric and Marcelo will also be allowed to leave while futures of Brahim Diaz, Reinier and Nacho remain uncertain.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the club’s three aspects and figure out how the potential departures of these players could affect the overall quality and potential of Real Madrid.
Defence (Nacho & Marcelo)
Marcelo’s decline at Real Madrid has been quite evident over the past couple of years. The Brazilian has struggled with fitness problems and will turn 32 later this month. His current contract at the Bernabeu expires in 2022. Therefore, it might be a good idea for Los Blancos to offload him.
Marcelo’s departure will definitely pave the way for Ferland Mendy to become the club’s first-choice left-back. However, Sergio Reguilon has also performed well at Sevilla. He is set to return to Bernabeu in the summer, and the Spanish giants will likely retain his services, thus creating fierce competition.
As for Nacho, his departure could serve as a massive for Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman’s lack of reliable options at centre-back has already been well documented, and the club must try their best in keeping hold of the Spanish international, who is an excellent backup option for any of the two defenders in Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
Midfield (James, Modric & Reinier)
Real Madrid are willing to part ways with James, and that comes as no surprise as the Colombian is clearly not among Zidane’s favourite players. He has struggled to muster regular minutes and will be better off elsewhere, with Everton already keen on his services. His potential departure could offer a significant financial boost to the club.
Same can be said for Luka Modric. Although the Croatian is still considered as a vital figure in the Real Madrid squad, he is already in the final stage of his career. Therefore, it might be a good idea to get rid of him before his contract expires at the end of next season.
Reinier, however, is an interesting choice. The young Brazilian arrived at Real Madrid in January, in a €30 million move from Flamengo. But, unlike his compatriots in Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, he has failed to establish himself as a first-team member. Instead, the attacking midfielder has been playing for RM Castilla.
Attack (Bale & Mariano)
Bale is arguably the most eye-catching player on this list. Yet, he was always subjected to a move away from Santiago Bernabeu sooner rather than later. However, this summer could be an ideal opportunity for the Welshman to take the next step in his career.
Bale’s absence will create a massive void in the offensive unit, but it is something Real Madrid can fix by securing the services of a marquee winger in the summer. The ex-Spurs star hasn’t made a big difference, of late, either and at the age of 30, his departure bodes well for all parties involved.
Same can be said about Mariano, who has most notably mustered only 21 minutes of league football in the ongoing campaign. The Dominican forward has no future at Real Madrid and should look to leave the club. A return to Ligue 1, for example, could be a logical move. The departure of these two individuals will create the much-needed space in the offensive unit, thus allowing Los Blancos to undergo a massive overhaul.
