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

Midfield:

Casemiro:

ZH: Selling Marcelo will let us get the most out of Casemiro because he can do so much more than just provide defensive cover. He needs a little more discipline going forward but he is one of the best defensive midfielders on earth and we would have to make a very serious buy for me to want to move on from him.

HK: Casemiro is incredible and one of the best in his position. He’s only 27 and has a long few years ahead of him yet. Although frustrating at times, I’ve always said he’s like an excited child on the pitch and loses focus too easily, he is well worth keeping.

Marcos Llorente:

ZH: A lot of talent, kind of like Vallejo he needs to spend some time healthy before I am convinced. No reason to sell just yet but I would not be upset if we loaned him to a good top flight squad in Spain or Germany.

HK: Marcos Llorente is a fantastic talent and one I want to see given a better chance under Zinedine Zidane next season. I’ve no reason to even think of why he should be let go.

Toni Kroos:

ZH: Toni Kroos has a pretty good argument for being the best central midfielder on earth. Selling him would be absurd. He isn’t going anywhere.

HK: I’ll make this simple, if you think Kroos should be sold then I cannot talk to you. He is vital to our midfield, his passing controls our tempo and he works hard. He’s had a rough season this year but who hasn’t? Selling him would be simply moronic. Keep.

Luka Modric:

ZH: If he is willing to accept a more limited role, I would love to see our most recent Ballon D’or winner retire at Real Madrid as the legend he is.

HK: I agree with Zach, I feel Luka has shown signs of slowing down this year. If he accepts a lesser role then I’d love to keep him here so he can retire as the legendary maestro he is.

Dani Ceballos:

ZH: He is so good, so talented, and has not even peaked yet. Frankly he should have played more this season than he has. Was one of the best attacking mids in La Liga while at Betis and I think he can be one of the best in the world. Keep.

HK: Dani Ceballos is stupidly good. In his breakout season he was third in La Liga for dribbles completed behind only Messi and Neymar. He’s young and has many years in the tank. He’s a versatile, hard-working talent and could easily takeover from Modric. Hopefully Zinedine Zidane utilises him this time round.

Fede Valverde:

ZH: Talented but raw, I have no idea what he is doing in the first team this season, he needs a loan.

HK: I adore this kid and his game. He has rarely not impressed me when he’s come on. The hustle, the directness and the versatility – what more could you want? He’s raw, yes. But he’s got a huge ceiling and should be kept and used more.

Isco:

ZH: This might be the hardest question to answer. I like Isco, I think Zidane does too. If we plan on giving him 30 league starts are more and making him central to what we do, cool, let’s do it. If not, there are plenty of folks who would pay us a massive fee for him.

HK: Whilst he is incredibly talented and one of the best at what he does, he is a bit of a problem child. Whilst Solari’s treatment of him was an issue, I find it odd none of his teammates have spoken on the matter which to me at least, points to a lack of professionalism. If he can sort his issues out, keep him. If not? The club doesn’t need that sort of character, let him go. Although, I feel he will leave anyway.

Brahim Diaz:

ZH: A kid for the future.

HK: His signing made little sense to me. He isn’t as talented as our other youngsters, yet hasn’t been sent to Castilla like Vinicius Jr was? Loan him out and see what comes of him.

Mateo Kovacic:

ZH: I rate Mateo incredibly high. I think he is a ready made replacement for Luka Modric and I think that Sarri has wasted his talents this year at Chelsea. I would extend his contract, make nice with him, and bring him in with the intention of being a regular starter across from Toni Kroos next season.

HK: Whilst talented, he hasn’t stood out enough at Chelsea for me. He’s been given opportunities and hasn’t taken them and it seems he burned all bridges with Real Madrid when he asked to leave. I’d keep him just to give him one more try but I would be incredibly surprised if he isn’t shipped out immediately by Perez and Co.

James Rodriguez:

ZH: If we keep Isco, James needs to be sold, we’ve seen the story of both of them competing for playing time before. If Isco gets sold, James is an electric player in the 10 role. It is possible that keeping him or Isco could affect the development of Ceballos which would be unfortunate, and if selling James meant more money to get a proven finisher up front I would be good with that. Probably sell.

HK: I am an advocate for James and his incredible talents. He’s a fantastic number 10 and deserves to be playing football at a top club. If Isco is moved on, he should be brought back if Bayern don’t sign him. Although, his history with Zidane doesn’t paint the best of pictures for him, I imagine he will be sold as much as I feel he should be kept.

Martin Odegaard:

ZH: He’s doing really well in the Eredivise, I would like to see him loaned to a mid table La Liga side next year to see if he can show that talent in a top league. He may never make it at Madrid but it is about time we find out if he is a La Liga quality player.

HK: I recently wrote about this forgotten gem and for what it’s worth, he should be brought back. I feel given the chance he could really shine and he has a strong desire to play for Real Madrid. If not, give him a loan to a La Liga club. He will thrive.