Real Madrid have flopped spectacularly over the past two seasons, failing to win a major trophy over that period and falling behind European and domestic rivals.
It promises to be a summer of turmoil at the Santiago Bernabeu, starting with a presidential election between incumbent Florentino Perez and challenger Enrique Riquelme.
Perez has Jose Mourinho lined up to return for a second spell while Riquelme believes the club should target a younger man to build a project rather than a short-term fix.
It is an unwanted delay for Madrid who need a coach in place as soon as possible to help with a squad overhaul that is long overdue. Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Dani Ceballos are definitely leaving but there are still many other questions to answer.
Here, we analyse which players Madrid should keep, sell, or loan out.
GOALKEEPERS
Thibaut CourtoisThe only slight concern about the Belgian is his fitness record. But he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world and, at 34 years of age, still has plenty of time left at the highest level.KEEP
Andriy LuninThe role of back-up goalkeeper is one of the most difficult squad positions to fill as it needs to be someone largely satisfied with playing second fiddle. Lunin is nothing more than an adequate goalkeeper but bringing in someone wanting first-team football could add an unwanted dynamic to an already tense dressing room.KEEP
DEFENDERS
Eder MilitaoOne of the best defenders in the world when fit but the Brazilian has struggled to stay on the pitch in recent seasons. Has suffered a ruptured ACL in both knees over the past three years while a serious hamstring problem has ruled him out of the World Cup. Will hopefully be available for the start of the 2026/27 campaign but Madrid need more regularity in such a vital position. The problem is no-one will buy him this summer while he undergoes another period of lengthy rehabilitation. He stays for that reason, but for that reason only. Madrid need to sell when he’s finally fit.KEEP
Trent Alexander-ArnoldHas had a largely underwhelming first season at Madrid, culminating in him being left out of England’s World Cup squad. If it is Mourinho coming in, it will be fascinating to see whether he fancies Alexander-Arnold given his occasional defensive lapses. Deserves more time to prove himself in La Liga.KEEP
Raul AsencioPerformed reasonably well after being thrust into the first-team squad last season but lacks real presence. Aged 23, definitely one Madrid could sell to balance the books.SELL
Alvaro CarrerasNot really justified his €50million fee after joining from Benfica last summer. Has potentially suffered due to the team’s poor form and general disharmony at the club. Still relatively young and should improve.KEEP
Fran GarciaA busy, uncomplicated full-back but short of the quality required. Has had numerous chances to make the left-back berth his own but not taken them. One that can be moved on.SELL
Antonio RudigerRudiger has had a glittering career but age and injuries appear to have caught up with him. The 33-year-old made just 18 appearances in La Liga this season. He is also reported to be one of the more influential presences in a squad that has lacked harmony. A definite sell in the hope he gets one last payday in the Middle East or MLS.SELL
Ferland MendyMendy’s career has been ruined by injuries. He may miss the entirety of next season due to a serious hamstring problem and has reportedly even considered retirement. Madrid would love to sell but that’s impossible. A reluctant keep.KEEP
Dean HuijsenShowed flashes of his undoubted potential during a difficult first year in Madrid. The talent is there and working with someone like Mourinho will improve him. A player Madrid should look to build around.KEEP
MIDFIEDLERS
Jude BellinghamSupremely talented but has developed a tendency to drift in and out of games. Get him fully fit, find a stable position for him to grow into and he should return to being one of the best young players in the world. Still just 22, a straightforward keep.KEEP
Eduardo CamavingaTalented France midfielder but just doesn’t do enough to convince he is Madrid quality. Reportedly wants to stay and still has three years left on his contract but one the club should look to move on if they can get a decent fee.SELL
Federico ValverdeHis hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League was the positive of the 2025/26 season for the Uruguay midfielder. The fight with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni the undoubted low point. It seems sensible that only one of the two warring factions stays and Valverde is the better player.KEEP
Aurelien TchouameniTchouameni needs to go for the sake of his career. His altercation with Valverde realistically signalled the end of his time at Madrid and a move to the Premier League is the obvious next step for a player who would improve most top sides. A player Madrid can demand significant money for.SELL
Arda GulerFinally became a Madrid regular under Xabi Alonso and seized his opportunity with a series of brilliant displays. Like Huijsen and Bellingham, he has the profile Madrid should be looking for. An easy keep.KEEP
FORWARDS
Vinicius JuniorRelatively straightforward: sign a new deal and he is an automatic keep. If talks continue to stall over an extension to his current contract that has 12 months remaining and he needs to go. Although where he would go is an interesting question. Saudi Arabia was a potential destination 12 months ago but their investment in football seems to be waning. There aren’t many clubs that could match his demands. It makes sense for both parties to come to an agreement that sees him spend the rest of his career at Madrid. Having that stability would also hopefully see an increase in responsibility and form, which was mixed this season.KEEP (if he signs a new contract), otherwise SELL
Kylian MbappeMbappe is the current target for the Madrid boo-boys having opted to disappear on holiday to Italy in May rather than continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury in the Spanish capital. His on-field performances were largely good, demonstrated by a record of 42 goals in 44 games last season, but you still sense there is more in the tank. Get his head right and the notoriously fickle Madrid fans will quickly turn their jeers into cheers.KEEP
RodrygoAnother player over whom there can’t be a debate due to injury. A torn ACL in March effectively ruled out a summer move that would have been beneficial for both player and club. Has been linked with Premier League sides for several years and a fresh start would have done him the world of good. Will hopefully be back for the start of 2027.KEEP
Gonzalo GarciaGarcia has shown flashes that he can cut it at Madrid, top-scoring in the Club World Cup and netting a hat-trick against Real Betis in January. But will he ever be a regular? Unlikely. If Madrid can get a decent fee for the 22-year-old then now could be the time to sell.SELL
Brahim DiazMade 30 appearances for Madrid this season but mostly as a substitute. Showed at the 2026 AFCON his ability to thrive when given more of a pivotal role and he should look to replicate that at club level. Would be a star elsewhere but is unlikely to achieve that status at the Bernabeu. SELL
Franco MastantuonoMastantuono has struggled in his first season in Spain, but he isn’t the first. Still just 18 years of age, the Argentine has plenty of time to develop and patience is required. A move away from the goldfish bowl of Real Madrid would do him the world of good.LOAN
