Real Madrid have had a disappointing season by their standards, ending their campaign without winning any major trophies. Now, under new manager Xabi Alonso, the club is preparing for a significant squad overhaul.
Along with the arrival of multiple new signing, several club veterans will depart Los Blancos after the FIFA World Cup as they have ran out of contract. Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, and Jesus Vallejo are all set to leave as free agents before the start of next season.
Real Madrid must also be cautious about players whose contracts expire in 2026, to avoid losing them for free. Here is a look at the players who are entering the final year of their contracts:
Dani Carvajal
Carvajal’s contributions to Real Madrid need no introduction. The right-back, a product of the club’s academy, has been nothing but loyal to Real Madrid and has established himself as one of the best in his position in the club’s history.
However, with the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Carvajal’s playing time is expected to decrease. He is entering the final year of his contract, and there have been no reports of extension talks. Real Madrid are not typically known for holding on to veteran legends. Still, given his defensive and attacking capabilities and the lack of natural right-back alternatives aside from Alexander-Arnold, the club may opt to extend his contract.
Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger has been instrumental at the back for Real Madrid in recent seasons. On his day, the German international remains one of the best center-backs in the world. With key players like Militao and Alaba sidelined due to injuries Real Madrid currently lack depth in defence.
Rudiger’s experience continues to be valuable, especially for the development of youngsters like Raul Asencio and Jacobo Ramon. It remains to be seen whether the club will offer him a renewal or choose to replace him with a younger option.
David Alaba
Alaba played a key role in his early seasons at Real Madrid, but persistent injury issues have significantly limited his playing time. This season, he has made only 14 appearances and has failed to make an impact.
Alaba is set to turn 33 in a few days, and given his recent injury struggles Real Madrid are unlikely to prioritize renewing his contract. So this may very well be his final season in the iconic white jersey.
Raul Asencio
Initially brought into the starting lineup out of necessity due to a defensive crisis, Asencio has quickly proven to be one of the standout performers of the season. His strong defensive ability, coupled with his passion for Los Blancos has made him a fan favorite.
Real Madrid are expected to offer the young defender a long-term contract with improved terms.
Thibaut Courtois
Courtois is undoubtedly among the best goalkeepers in the world and has been vital to Real Madrid’s success in recent years, producing match-saving performances regularly.
Although no official announcements have been made, the club is expected to renew his contract before it expires. He is likely to remain Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper for years to come.
Fran Gonzalez
Gonzalez is a goalkeeper who deserves more chances, although with Courtois and Andrey Lunin in the lineup, opportunities may not come easily for him.
He is one of the players who has the potential to be developed into a world-class keeper. Real Madrid will most likely renew his contract before it expires. However, nothing has been made official yet, and his future remains uncertain.