Real Madrid’s list of potential 2019 sales features some unexpected names
It’s no surprise that Real Madrid, by their high standards, have endured a poor season so far.
Losing Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo in the same summer was a huge blow.
Zidane’s successor Julen Lopetegui was sacked at the end of October, following the team’s humiliating 5-1 defeat against Barcelona, and now Santiago Solari is the man attempting to steady the ship.
Madrid’s results and performances have left a lot to be desired in recent weeks.
The 3-0 defeat to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League earlier this month was yet more evidence that big changes - with the playing squad and possibly the coaching staff, too - are required in 2019.
According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Madrid president Florentino Perez is deeply concerned by this campaign’s bad results and has conceded that the team needs an ‘urgent remodelling’ at the end of the season.
Perez is disappointed that the players seem to have lost ‘competitive hunger’ and has drawn up a long list of ins and outs for 2019.
The list of players who could potentially be forced to leave the Bernabeu in 2019 features some rather unexpected names. Let’s take a closer look…
Luka Modric
The Ballon d’Or winner apparently wants a new contract but may not be granted one due to his disappointing recent form.
Modric, who turned 33 in September, could be one of the first players out the door in the summer.
Isco
In less surprising news, Isco is another player in danger of losing his place in Real Madrid’s squad.
The Spanish playmaker, who shone at times under Zidane, has struggled for minutes this season.
Marco Asensio
Another hugely talented attacking player who is judged to have ‘lost his sheen’ this season.
The 22-year-old will have no shortage of potential suitors if Madrid decide to cash in.
Keylor Navas
Plenty of Madrid fans would prefer to see Keylor Navas back between the sticks in place of summer signing Thibaut Courtois.
However, Courtois is expected to retain his place as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, leaving Navas searching for a new club.
Gareth Bale
Despite the odd moment of brilliance, the Welshman has fluffed his chance to become Madrid’s main man following Ronaldo’s departure.
Perez wants a new talismanic leader - and has set his sights on Neymar or Kylian Mbappe.
Sergio Ramos
Now, this one all depends on whether or not Jose Mourinho returns to the Bernabeu as manager.
Sport understand that Mourinho would not want to work with the Spanish centre-back after what happened during his first spell.
Marcelo
The same applies to Marcelo.
Karim Benzema
Another of Perez’s ‘spoiled children’, according to Sport, Benzema’s future may depend on Mourinho.
Mourinho may decide to keep the French striker at the Bernabeu. Another coach, on the other hand, could decide to get rid.
Kiko Casilla
The Spanish goalkeeper, who joined Los Blancos from Espanyol in 2015, appears to have no future at the Bernabeu.
Luca Zidane
Zidane’s son is also expected to leave in 2019.
Jesus Vallejo
The 21-year-old doesn’t appear to be close to establishing himself as a first-team regular. His future in football may lie away from the Bernabeu.
Mariano Diaz
The man who took Ronaldo’s number seven shirt is another player who could be axed next year.
Which players should Real Madrid sell in 2019? Have your say below.
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