Real Madrid are expected to undergo a significant overhaul this summer, with major new signings and notable departures anticipated to materialize.
Known for continually raising the bar season after season, Real Madrid could make some cuts in the roster to create space for new blood, with stars like Kylian Mbappe and Endrick set to arrive and other players also being targeted.
With merely one game left of the season and the summer transfer window looming large, here are three players facing the highest possibility of getting axed by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Joselu
Joselu’s contributions this season have defied expectations. Despite minimally being availed in the starting XI, the seasoned Spaniard has 17 goals in addition to three assists throughout all competitions.
His performance against Bayern Munich particularly took the cake, as he scored two late goals to confirm Real Madrid’s qualification to the Champions League final.
However, it goes without saying, that Joselu remains far from a nailed-on starter due to the quality Los Blancos possess in their front line. And that quality is expected to soar even more from next season, with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick expected to join.
Retaining a player who will face a tremendous amount of competition from stars much younger than him increases the likelihood of hitting the exit door this summer.
Dani Ceballos
Although Ceballos was seen making a name for himself last season, his importance under Ancelotti has waned considerably this season.
Indeed, the Spaniard has frequently found himself at the bottom of Real Madrid’s midfield hierarchy due to his inability to make a significant impression with his performances, while injuries have not helped his cause either.
Ceballos might be open to rejoining Real Betis, whom he has always referred to as the “club of his dreams.”
Reports have mentioned that he also has interest from Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are open to exploring a move for the out-of-favour midfielder this summer.
Fran Garcia
Fran Garcia was ranked higher than Ferland Mendy in Real Madrid’s starting lineup at the start of the season. But the Spaniard’s defensive efforts were tainted by some errors, which slowly eroded the coaching staff’s faith in him.
On the other hand, Mendy has been a beacon of consistency in the left-back position ever since he recovered from his injury issues and found his form.
In fact, the defensive left-back has been producing consistent performances ever since he made his way back into the team in the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year.
As such, Fran Garcia has thus witnessed a sharp decline in playing time and now hardly appears to be an integral part of the team.
With his contract expiring in 2027, Real Madrid could cash out on him this summer and create room for a big full-back signing, namely Alphonso Davies, while the possibility of re-signing Miguel Gutierrez is also being looked into.
