Real Madrid have reacted to a disappointing trophyless season with extreme severity.
The recruitment of Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Ferland Mendy have kept the accountants at work late.
It is estimated Los Blancos have spent over €300million on new players already, with the previously known signings of Eder Militao and Rodrygo accounting for approximately a third of their recent spending.
Even as we write this they are confirming more recruits.
Former Barcelona youth player Takefusa Kubo has just signed a six-year contract at the Bernabeu — the 18-year-old Japanese international is expected to play for the Castilla side in 2019/20.
In this age of Financial Fair Play, Real must seek to balance the books… and their squad.
La Liga teams are only permitted to name a squad featuring a maximum of 25 players — they currently have 37 on their books.
Some, such as Brahim Diaz, may leave on loan.
But plenty are set for a permanent departure.
Let’s take a closer look at Real Madrid’s ‘For Sale’ list…
GARETH BALE
Ideally, someone (let’s be honest, Man United) would come in with a £100million for the Welshman and a promise to match his wages.
Unfortunately for Florentino Perez, Bale’s injury record and reluctance to leave make this scenario unlikely.
Reports from Spain suggest the 29-year-old has become an isolated figure at the Bernabeu, though his astronomical wages and rumoured disinterest in football as a whole mean he’s happy enough sitting on the bench while thinking through his golf game.
Bale is the most high-profile name up for sale, but the list of potential buyers is microscopic… maybe even non-existent.
KEYLOR NAVAS
A great servant to Real Madrid and one whose contribution to the club’s recent European domination should not be overlooked.
Despite some teething problems, Thibaut Courtois is very much No1.
Navas has requested a transfer, with PSG the most likely destination due to Gianluigi Buffon’s exit.
MARCELO
A favourite of Zinedine Zidane’s and another who earned his Champions League medals with some clutch performances.
After 13 seasons it is probably not too much a stretch to describe the Brazilian as a Real Madrid legend.
Now 31 years old, Marcelo will reportedly be allowed to leave if he wishes.
The Brazilian lost his spot in the first-team last season and Mendy’s arrival closes the door further.
ISCO
In our humble opinion, clubs should be queuing up to sign the Spain international.
At 27 years old, the technical midfielder has a few prime years left — a factor that gives him a high resale value from Real’s perspective.
Supremely talented, Isco’s alienation has been torturous in its pace.
A fresh challenge is probably best for both parties.
MARTIN ODEGAARD
It was big news when Real Madrid splashed out on a 15-year-old Norwegian in 2015.
After half a century of appearances for Real’s Castilla team, Odegaard was sent to Holland for loan spells with Heerenveen and Vitesse.
2018/19 was his most impressive campaign with 11 goals in all competitions.
Despite this, it seems he is unlikely to develop into the player Real Madrid thought he would, and so a permanent transfer is possible.
MATEO KOVACIC
The Croatian midfielder’s value may have decreased after an unconvincing season on loan at Chelsea.
Rumours are he wants a permanent switch to Stamford Bridge but there may be the small matter of a transfer ban to complicate things.
Kovacic’s best showing in Chelsea blue came in the Europa League final — a timely ‘shop window’ performance perhaps?
JAMES RODRIGUEZ
Similar situation to Isco here in that he’s a creative 27-year-old capable of match-winning magic who has been frozen out of Real Madrid.
After two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich, the Bavarian giants have decided not to pick up the option to buy.
In theory, Real should be able to find a buyer willing to pay an agreeable fee.
Alternatively, if Paul Pogba/Christian Eriksen prove inaccessible the Colombian may get another opportunity to win over the Bernabeu faithful.
LUCAS VAZQUEZ
Previously a cult hero for his endeavour and selflessness, his relative lack of quality turned some fans against him last season.
The academy product is now deemed surplus to requirements.
Other clubs will be aware of the situation and any interested parties should be able to negotiate a modest fee.
MARIANO
History will judge Real Madrid’s decision to re-sign Mariano in 2018 harshly.
Bestowed with the famous No7 shirt – the last two players to wear it both became the club’s all-time top scorer – the ex-Lyon forward played a subsidiary role with four goals in all competitions.
Jovic’s arrival looks set to end Mariano’s elongated relationship with Los Blancos for good.
NACHO/JESUS VALLEJO
Only one is likely to leave — hardly Sophie’s Choice though, is it?
Nacho is more experienced while 22-year-old Vallejo could still improve under the tutelage of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
Either way, the fee is unlikely to break any records, but every little helps when you’ve splurged €300million by mid-June.
OTHER PLAYERS AVAILABLE FOR TRANSFER:
- Luca Zidane (awkward Christmas dinner)
- Borja Mayoral
- Raul de Tomas
- Lucas Silva
- Oscar
- Marcos Llorente
- Dani Ceballos
- Sergio Reguilon
- Theo Hernandez
Stroll down to your nearest Bernabeu and pick up a player today!
NEXT: Lionel Messi & Argentina — a complex relationship in need of a happy ending