Real Madrid Transfers: Why Marcelo may have to go for free

Real Madrid left back Marcelo had some issues last season, but the 2020-2021 campaign has truly been a step backward for the legendary Madridista. Marcelo has suffered through some truly dreadful performances this year at the left back position, and even playing wing back with a back three behind him did not prevent him from being exposed as a defensive liability in the first leg of the Champions League vs. Chelsea.

Although Marcelo has given this club everything and had a good performance as a midfield playmaker against Getafe this winter, it is time for Real Madrid to move on from the 33-year-old. He has hit a rapid physical decline, his defending is simply not good enough for left back, and it is time for Los Blancos to put their faith in talented youngster Miguel Gutierrez. The rising left back from Castilla has been excellent in his last two starts at Granada and Athletic Club.

So now Madridistas have to think about a summer 2021 transfer for Marcelo, who could very well be in his last Real Madrid squad this weekend against Villarreal.

The problem is that it’s hard seeing anyone being willing to pay for Marcelo. He has one year left on his deal, with wages apparently exceeding eight million euros. That’s a significant financial commitment to make to a left back who no longer looks capable of playing at the highest level. He could transition to a different position, but those wages are still onerous to too many clubs. And the only clubs who could afford that salary are probably unwilling to roll the dice on him.

Marcelo’s wages and declining play will make moving him a difficult task for Real Madrid this summer

Juventus has been mentioned a few times as a possible destination, largely due to his friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo. He could fit as a left-sided midfielder there, but Juve already have an aging squad. And they have their own financial woes. If Juve don’t make the Champions League, not only won’t they be able to afford to spend money on Marcelo’s wages, but it might also be a moot point anyway if Ronaldo decides to pack his bags.

Right now, there is only one team reliably linked to Marcelo. And that is David Beckham’s Inter Miami of Major League Soccer. Beyond that, we’ve heard nothing to suggest teams are clamoring to sign Marcelo from Real Madrid. Inter Miami can take on his wages, but how much would they be willing to spend on a player with one year left on his deal?

Los Blancos could be faced with a situation where they will have to come to a friendly agreement with Marcelo and a future club to move on with no money changing hands to get Marcelo’s spot and salary off the books. They need to clear the space for Gutierrez. Sergio Reguilon could be bought back, but Real probably don’t have the money to make that move. In any case, they need to save on Marcelo’s wages, and that alone would be, in their eyes, likely worth taking the hit on a “free” transfer in 2021.

It is sad to see how Marcelo had declined, but it truly is best for the team, the player, the other talent at left back, and the player’s legacy for a parting of ways this summer. In order for that to be facilitated, given the player’s wages, Real Madrid can’t demand much from any interested party. Most likely, it seems they will have to let him go for free. Hopefully, the club legend can find a fulfilling final step in his journey if he still wants to continue playing.