Real Madrid have a crucial summer transfer window ahead and the club will continue to focus on their youth strategy. The business conducted by the recruitment team has mostly been to target youngsters who have world class potential.
Franco Mastantuono fit the bill perfectly in the summer, arriving from River Plate and the 18-year-old Argentine has impressed. While fans can expect similar talent to be on the radar this summer it will likely coincide with several high-profile departures.
Several of the club's veteran stars are coming into the final few months of their contracts. That gives Los Blancos decisions to make over their futures.
Real Madrid hero's future 'uncertain'
Dani Carvajal is one of those players whose contracts expire this summer. The Spanish right-back has endured an injury-ridden season and has appeared just 10 times across competitions.
The 34-year-old is Madrid's captain and a leader in the locker room but there are growing doubts over him extending his stay at the Bernabeu. Mario Cortegana of The Athletic provided an update on his situation, revealing that the player's future is uncertain.
The club know they have "key decisions" to make at right-back soon and that seems to suggest they are pondering parting ways with the Spaniard. He's been with Los Blancos since July 2013 and undoubtedly wrote his name in the La Liga heavyweights' history books.
Carvajal has won 25 major trophies and scored the opener in a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 Champions League final. He has been linked with a possible move to the MLS or the Saudi Pro League to see out his career.
It's best to part ways with Carvajal
There's no doubt Carvajal is one of the greatest defenders in Madrid's history and his achievements speak volumes. He is adored by Madridistas and will always be welcome at the Bernabeu.
But his recurring injury issues and his age need to be taken into consideration when the season ends. The club should move on from the Spanish right-back and move into a different direction including possibly targeting a replacement.
That could be Sevilla's Jose Angel who has emerged as a possible summer option for Los Blancos. He's an ideal candidate to battle it out with Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back starting berth come next season.
The 23-year-old has appeared 22 times across competitions this season, posting one goal and three assists. He will have two years left on his contract this summer which could help Madrid in negotiations.