The 2019-20 campaign has drawn to a close for all but four teams participating in the two European cup finals. 13-time Champions League winners, Real Madrid, aren’t one of the lucky four.
Zinedine Zidane’s men crashed out of the Champions League in the Round of 16 stage after suffering a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Premier League outfit, Manchester City.
Thanks to Los Blancos’ La Liga triumph, no one called for the dismissal of the coach or the transfer of players. Yet, a major transformation seems to be on the horizon — a major reshuffling that could shape the course of Real Madrid’s fate, in Spain and in Europe, for the next couple of seasons.
Hit by the double whammy of COVID-19 and stadium remodelling, Real Madrid do not have enough funds to facilitate jaw-dropping deals this summer.
So, they’d bank on player sales to get the revenue they need to enjoy another successful campaign. Today, we’ll take a look at five players Real Madrid must look to offload in the next month or so.
#1 Gareth Bale
Anyone who follows Real Madrid knows just how miserable this saga has become, and we hope it ends sooner rather than later.
The Welsh winger barely featured for Zinedine Zidane’s side since football returned and even asked his manager to keep him out of the Champions League matchday squad.
There seem to be a clear understanding between Zidane and Bale that they wouldn’t work together after the end of the 2019-20 season, and Real Madrid must find a way to facilitate that.
Spanish media outlet, Deportes Cuatro, has claimed that Jose Mourinho is eager to bring the winger back to Tottenham Hotspur. However, Bale’s super high salary could still stop the deal in its tracks.
#2 James Rodriguez
Similar to Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez also endured a horrid 2019-20 campaign. He wasn’t in Zinedine Zidane’s plan ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, which led him to join Bayern Munich on a two-year loan deal in the first place.
And the picture didn’t change after his return. He didn’t get the opportunity to excel and is unlikely to stay at Real Madrid for another campaign.
The Colombian recently expressed his desire to play in the Premier League or Serie A, as those are the only two leagues he hasn’t featured in, yet. Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United are reportedly interested in his services, but nothing concrete is yet to materialise.
#3 Nacho
Nacho has been a loyal stalwart for Real Madrid since time immemorial. He’s done everything in his power to fill in for his club, in any defensive position possible.
The Spaniard used to be Sergio Ramos/Raphael Varane’s ideal replacement. However, with the introduction of Eder Militao, he’s fallen steeply down the pecking order. Real Madrid also have cover in all defensive positions, which has also made Nacho land in an awkward position.
Although Real Madrid aren’t really looking to offload the player, they could still let the player go for €10 million. Portuguese outfit, Benfica, are reportedly interested in his services and could make a formal offer soon.
#4 Sergio Reguilon
Sergio Reguilon has been a revelation for Sevilla in the 2019-20 campaign, playing a crucial role in Sevilla ascension to the top of the Europa League.
However, despite his brilliance performances, Reguilon is unlikely to return to Real Madrid next season. Marcelo and Ferland Mendy have got the left-back position covered, and Real Madrid cannot afford to bring back Reguilon without cause.
As per reports, Chelsea are looking for a quality left-back and have been massively impressed by Reguilon’s performances. No formal offer is in place, as of now, but the situation is likely to escalate after the Europa League final.
#5 Lucas Vazquez
Like Nacho, Lucas Vazquez has also been a pivotal squad player for Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane. However, if recent reports are anything to go by, the Spaniard could end up leaving the Spanish capital before the new season gets underway.
With Alvaro Odriozola returning from loan, Real Madrid would finally have a natural backup for Dani Carvajal, making Vazquez’s defensive qualities redundant. Offensively, Vazquez is already behind Marco Asensio and Rodrygo, and Martin Odegaard’s arrival won’t make the task any easier.
Serie A giants, Napoli, are reportedly interested in the player and want him to take the mantle from another Real Madrid talent, Jose Callejon. No deal has been finalised yet.
Also Read: 9 players Barcelona should offload before next season