However, this list does not include Andriy Lunin, who will return to the club to play the role of reserve goalkeeper after Alphonse Areola’s release.
All eyes on Zinedine Zidane
With the return of Martin Odegaard, Real Madrid’s first team currently has 25 players. However, this list does not include Andriy Lunin, who will return to the club to play the role of reserve goalkeeper after Alphonse Areola’s release. Alvaro Odriozola and Dani Ceballos also are not added to this list, although both may return from their loan spells to be included in the next season. There are, so, too many players and all eyes on Zinedine Zidane, who must decide who he wants to keep and who not. Nobody wants to leave the club, but reality says that some will have to. This is where Zidane comes in. Zidane’s job to convince some players that their time at the club is up will be challenging, but that’s what he has to do.
Real Madrid needs to bring about €180 million this summer, and this is without any signings. Most of the excess in the lineup comes in the attack. Luka Jovic, Gareth Bale, Mariano Diaz, Lucas Vazquez, and Brahim Diaz could be bought. There are six players in midfield plus Odegaard. James Rodriguez, however, looks likely to be sold this summer, and there are reports that Juventus may be interested in Isco. There is less uncertainty about the goalkeeper and defensive positions. With Thibaut Courtois and Lunin wearing gloves and the same defensive unit as last year, plus the returning Odriozola. Summer planning is underway and should start with some cuts.