Real Madrid: Who should go and who should stay this summer?

Defenders:

Varane:

ZH: A future captain at this club; one of the  top five CBs on earth. Should not be going anywhere.

HK: Varane is absolutely a mainstay in this team. He’s still young in his career and has a long future ahead of him, future captain. Shouldn’t even entertain an offer for him.

Sergio Ramos:

ZH: My captain. I love him, he has been a brilliant servant to the club, but given his issues with Perez and how often he is carded, I think it is time to move on from him if the fee is right and more importantly if we can find a proper replacement.

HK: What is there left to say about this man? He’s been through many generations at Real Madrid and has been a huge part of our modern history. However, he is advancing in his years and likely to decline soon. If a decent enough offer arrives and a replacement is available? I wouldn’t object to his sale, as hard as it would be to stomach.

Jesus Vallejo:

ZH: Loads of talent but I am not convinced he can stay healthy. I might loan him out next year and see if he can stay healthy. If he fails to do that sell. When healthy he could be a long term option at center back for us.

HK: This man is the Gareth Bale of defenders. We know he has ability and we know he can perform but his ability to stay fit is about as good as a sandcastle still standing when the tide comes in. Perhaps a loan would suffice or maybe just cut our losses and look for a replacement.

Marcelo:

ZH:  The return of Zidane could possibly mean a return to the tactics that saw Casemiro actively covering for Marcelo every time he bombed forward. However, I tend to think that as Marcelo is aging, we can do better than the tactics we used last time Zizou was at the helm. Get Reguilon some cover and move Marcelo to a place where he can get plenty of minutes at a Champions League level.

HK: I hate to say it but, Marcelo doesn’t seem to be the phenom he once was. Persistent issues with fitness this season and other off-field issues with weight etc. are worrisome. If he was in his twenties, you could say he will recover but he isn’t. Madrid need an overhaul and Reguilon is the perfect replacement, it’s time to wave the old-guard goodbye as hard as that is and that starts with letting go of Marcelo.

Reguilon:

ZH: As it stands right now, he’s the future of the position at this club. Keep.

HK: Short and simple answer: he is the future and should not be going anywhere.

Theo Hernandez:

ZH: I like Theo, I also think he’s reckless. I think bringing him home and having him as good cover/competition for Reguilon would be ideal.

HK: I cannot hand on heart say that Theo Hernandez convinces me. He’s reckless, tactically flawed and seems to be full of errors. Is he terrible? No. Is he good enough for Real Madrid? No. Did we buy the wrong Hernandez? Yes. Let him go.

Achraf:

ZH: He’s doing really well at Dortmund. Do not mess with the development he is gaining there. Another year on loan there to grow is just fine. He will be a star.

HK: This guy seems to have some incredible ability when it comes to attacking as a full-back, however, leaves a little to be desired defensively. He’s shining in Germany, let him develop and revisit this when his loan is up.

Carvajal:

ZH: Good right backs are hard to find. We are blessed to have two and we should keep them both.

HK: Carvajal on his day is world-class. However, he really needs to buck his ideas up with consistency. Arguably one of the worst players in the team during that couple of weeks where Real Madrid’s season fell apart. Keep, of course and hope he finds consistency.

Odriozola:

ZH: He is going to be good for a long time. Obvious keep.

HK: I was absolutely overjoyed when he was signed and think he has the potential to be a star. Keep him and do not let him go anywhere.