Real Madrid Transfers: Playing keep or sell with every winger

If Real Madrid have one true problem spot in their roster heading into the next season, then it is on the wings. What makes evaluating the position so difficult for Madridistas is that many of us like these players as individuals, recognize their quality, and have high hopes for them. But the reality is that the standards are so high at Real, and when they are not being met, changes need to be made. Otherwise, the club risks stagnating like so many other European giants have in the last handful of years.

So let’s take a look at the current wingers on Los Blancos’ first team and play a little “keep or sell”, cutting out all nostalgia as we bluntly prognosticate their futures at Real Madrid.

LW Eden Hazard

First up on the list is the most talented of the wingers, and that is Eden Hazard. The Belgian had some great moments in his first season, playing at a high level in November before sustaining a career-altering ankle injury against PSG.

Since then, Hazard’s flashes of good play have been sparse, and they’ve mostly come against lower-table sides like Huesca and Deportivo Alaves. But while Hazard has been mostly absent in the big games, it’s worth noting that he was second on the team in goals per 90 minutes and third in goals and assists per 90 in all competitions last season, per FBRef.com.

His future could hinge on two factors. One, if anyone actually wants him given his repeated injuries. And two, if Zinedine Zidane stays and advocates for him. Because I honestly think Florentino Perez is done with Hazard and will cut him loose if Kylian Mbappe signs.

Verdict: Real Madrid will try to sell him