Real Madrid: Breaking down every player who should be kept or sold this summer

It may only still be February, but Real Madrid will definitely have one eye on the summer transfer window and nothing made that clearer than Zinedine Zidane’s words in the pre-match press conference against Huesca when he admitted that there will be changes this summer.

However, one thing we know about the manager is that “changes” doesn’t always necessarily mean what we think it does: Does this mean many of the players on loan will be returning to be part of the squad? Are we making any signings? Will there be major departures? Let’s take a look at what will be happening this summer in regards to the full squad and take a look at what may be needed.

Goalkeepers

1. Thibaut Courtois – KEEP

Thibaut Courtois has been in absolutely sensational form last season and has continued it in the current campaign. He has proven to be one of our most consistent performers throughout the season and has been able to get any doubters to take his side during the past year.

2. Andriy Lunin – KEEP

This is a little bit difficult not because Andriy Lunin isn’t a good enough goalkeeper to be a backup but because he’s young and needs playing time which is won’t be getting anytime soon at all at Real Madrid. If we let him go though, that will mean that we’ll need to replace him and spending any money on a backup goalkeeper with the current economical problems isn’t worth it.

Current Goalkeepers on Loan:
None.

Summary

To keep it simple, we’re completely fine in terms of our goalkeeping for the upcoming season. There is no need to think twice about it and no reason to mix things up at all. Courtois and Lunin should be the Real Madrid goalkeepers next season.

Defenders

1. Sergio Ramos – KEEP

If Real Madrid can afford to keep Sergio Ramos at the club then they should do so. He’s the captain and it’s clear that he adds a lot to the team with his presence and leadership. However, if he decides to play hardball then things will be a little more complicated simply because Florentino Perez’s patience will wear out at some point.

2. Eder Militao – KEEP

Real Madrid bought Eder Militao for a reason and he has shown that he’s capable of having a long-term future at the club. Granted, the Brazilian defender has already had his fair share of disappointments but he’s determined and ready to step up whenever he’s called upon.

3. Raphael Varane – KEEP

Since his arrival in 2011, Raphael Varane has continued to show that he is one of the greatest center-backs in the world. The past year has not been great to the Frenchman but he has recently shown that he’s got the mental strength to overcome everything and prove himself as a consistent Real Madrid player.

4. Dani Carvajal – KEEP

Surprisingly, this was a slightly difficult one to think of. Dani Carvajal is one of the greatest right-backs in the world and his presence in the team makes them stronger. However, he is extremely injury prone and it seems to have gotten even worse during this season. That’s a worry simply because you cannot depend on a player who can’t guarantee consistent fitness. However, if Real Madrid find a way to control it, he’s a massive asset to the team.

5. Marcelo – SELL

The time has come and I think that it’s clear for everyone to see. Marcelo has given his all for Real Madrid but all good things must come to an end and we have already passed the end of Marcelo’s time at the club. It would be surprising to see him at Real Madrid past the summer.

6. Ferland Mendy – KEEP

You can see Ferland Mendy improve with each game. The French left-back isn’t at his best yet but he’s quickly reaching that point and after making the left-back position his own during the season, it will be interesting to see who he competes against next. There are rumors of Sergio Reguilon returning but that still remains to be seen,

7. Alvaro Odriozola – SELL

This was another difficult one to decide on. Alvaro Odriozola has not gotten enough games under Zidane to show any consistency but in the extremely limited chances he has received, he’s failed to show up. His loan move last season to Bayern Munich didn’t do much for him either and if Real Madrid receive a good offer for the Spaniard, then expect him to be sold.

8. Nacho Fernandez – KEEP

Initially, I was on the fence about keeping Nacho Fernandez simply due to his age but he’s always been someone dependable and has always respected his position in the team. This will be even more important next season and if Real Madrid are unable to get a replacement for Odriozola if he’s sold, expect to see more of Nacho as he rotates with Carvajal.

Current Defenders on Loan:

1. Jesus Vallejo (Granada) – SELL

Jesus Vallejo was always meant to be the future of the team but unfortunately, things didn’t really go that way. After spending most of his Real Madrid career on loan at different clubs, it’s safe to say that the time has come for him to be sold.

Summary:

Things will definitely be different when it comes to the Real Madrid defenders next season. Collectively, they haven’t been great, and focus will need to be placed on them. There is talk of David Alaba joining from Bayern Munich but nothing official has been said yet by either club. However, it’s clear that the club cannot continue with the same defensive lineup that they currently have so it will be interesting to see what they have in mind for the upcoming season.