The future of Gareth Bale has been one of the biggest talking points of the summer.
His brace in the Champions League final sent a clear message to Zinedine Zidane who had limited the Welshman's game-time during the 2017-18 campaign.
Bale then delivered a controversial post-match interview that left his future wide open and reports of interest from Manchester United immediately flooded into the press.
However, the climate at Real Madrid has considerably changed since that victory over Liverpool.
Not only has Zidane resigned and been replaced by former Spain manager Julen Lopetegui, but the club's star man Cristiano Ronaldo departed after nine years at the Bernabeu.
Doubts over Bale's future
If those decisions didn't influence Bale, it's hard to tell what would but the 29-year-old has once again remained coy on his future.
During a Q&A in Cardiff, he remarked: "I really don't know [where I will be]. I'm going to have to sit down and discuss it with my agent. Maybe I'll be staying here [at Real Madrid], maybe not.
"We'll sit down in the summer and hopefully resolve this issue."
Real Madrid's message for Bale
The whole situation seemed to boil down to a meeting with Lopetegui scheduled for this week and the latest round of reports has made Real's stance very clear.
According to the Telegraph, Bale will be handed the challenge of succeeding Ronaldo as the club's 'driving force' when he meets Lopetegui.
It's also stated that Los Blancos want Bale to remain at the club for next season.
The report notes how the update will frustrate Manchester United with Ed Woodward having been set on securing a big name such as Bale.
The winger will still ask for reassurances during the meeting but his position has been considerably strengthened by Kylian Mbappe committing his future to Paris Saint-Germain.
That's not to mention the difficulties surrounding a potential Neymar move and Barcelona entering the chase for Eden Hazard.
United fans could easily have been celebrating the purchase of Bale this summer, yet it seems the departures of Zidane and Ronaldo have settled the debate.
Bale has always preferred remaining at the Bernabeu and with the trust of Lopetegui even before their meeting, it appears he has very little reason to leave.
And when he's won four Champions League titles at the club, can he really be blamed?
Bale will get his pre-season campaign underway today at Valdebebas and, uncannily, could cross paths with United when the clubs meet for a friendly on August 1.
Do you think Bale can succeed Ronaldo at Real Madrid? Have your say in the comments section below.