Let’s just hope and pray all this Kylian Mbappe lark is over sharpish once the summer transfer window opens for business.
Real Madrid are expected to acquire the generationally gifted Frenchman after he revealed earlier this year that he won’t be extending his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. The deal appears to be a formality, but who will the 25-year-old team up with in the Spanish capital?
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are destined for a multi-trophy 2023/24 campaign, and we shouldn’t expect drastic changes to the make-up of their squad for next season despite Mbappe’s likely addition.
Here’s who Madrid should keep, sell, loan, and release this summer.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Regarded as the world’s best goalkeeper before his injury-hit 2023/24 campaign, Courtois won’t be going anywhere.
GK: Andriy Lunin – The Ukrainian usurped Kepa Arrizabalaga in the depth chart this season and will fancy competing with Courtois next term.
DEF: Dani Carvajal – The long-time Madridista may well retire in the Spanish capital.
DEF: Eder Militao – Militao has missed much of the season due to an ACL tear, but he’ll be back in time for the run-in. The Brazilian starred last term and will return as first-choice.
DEF: Antonio Rudiger – The free agent arrival has been tasked with holding down the fort on his own given Madrid’s centre-back injuries. A must-keep.
DEF: David Alaba – Real Madrid aren’t going to sell Alaba, who’s out until the start of next season with a long-term knee injury.
DEF: Lucas Vazquez – The versatile customer hasn’t been a prominent figure, but he’s still set for a contract extension before the end of the season.
MID: Toni Kroos – The coolest of operators, Kroos has already been told by the club’s hierarchy that he can extend his contract when he wants… and he should.
MID: Eduardo Camavinga – The Frenchman has previously been linked with a move away, but Camavinga has enjoyed an uptick in minutes this term and will be a core member of Los Blancos for the next decade.
MID: Aurelien Tchouameni – Who knows, perhaps Tchouameni will develop into a world-class centre-back after stepping in alongside Rudiger midway through 2023/24. He’s another core member of Madrid’s next generation.
MID: Luka Modric – ONE MORE YEAR! ONE MORE YEAR!
MID: Federico Valverde – The Uruguayan would command a monster fee having evolved into one of the world’s best at his position. He’s irreplaceable, and Madrid have tied him down until 2029.
MID: Jude Bellingham – Now, this was a tough one… not. Belligoal will be teaming up with Mbappe entering the 2030s, probably.
MID: Brahim Diaz – It looked as if Brahim’s Madrid career had passed him by, but he’s enjoyed a resurgent campaign while performing a bit-part role. He’s a handy deputy to Jude.
FWD: Vinicius Junior – Once the French superstar arrives in the Spanish capital, Madrid could arguably lay claim to the world’s three best players. Vinicius has dealt with an injury setback or two this term, but he’s been absolutely imperious in 2024.
FWD: Rodrygo – There may be murmurs regarding a move away, but neither Mbappe nor Vinicius will want to perform Rodrygo’s role. The Brazilian is key for balance, and he’s a lovely player to watch.
FWD: Joselu – Signed somewhat as a contingency loan last summer, Joselu has exceeded expectations and some. Madrid may well keep him on.
DEF: Fran Garcia – There could be plenty of movement at left-back this summer, with Garcia, who joined the club last year, struggling to impress in year one. He might not be up to standard, but a loan is more likely than a permanent sale.
MID: Arda Guler – The Turkish hotshot has endured a wretched debut season thanks to injury, and a loan is very much needed. He’s not going to be getting any of Bellingham’s minutes next season.
DEF: Ferland Mendy – Mendy has enjoyed a decent enough season and Ancelotti would happily retain the Frenchman. However, what would be the point if Alphonso Davies joined this summer? Miguel Gutierrez could replace Garcia and the club could get a decent fee for Mendy despite his contract expiring in 2025.
MID: Dani Ceballos – Madrid are not going to be able to garner a big fee for Ceballos, who’s destined to join a La Liga European hopeful this summer.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – The loanee will not be kept on having lost his place to Lunin midway through the season. Kepa will return to Chelsea with his future once again uncertain.
DEF: Nacho Fernandez – Despite being appointed captain at the start of the season, it feels as if Nacho’s time with Madrid is drawing to a close with his contract expiring this summer.
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