Four Players Real Madrid Need to Sell This Summer

Real Madrid is entering a new phase under manager Xabi Alonso after a disappointing 2024–25 season that yielded no major trophies, included 84 goals conceded, and featured four losses in El Clásico. The club attributes these struggles to an unbalanced squad with aging, injury-prone players. As part of their rebuild, Real Madrid has signed young talents Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Álvaro Carreras, along with experienced winner Trent Alexander-Arnold, while bidding farewell to veterans Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez. Further departures are anticipated to create a sustainable title-contending team.

Endrick endured a difficult debut season, largely confined to substitute appearances and struggling for consistent playing time. Despite showing promise with five goals in six Copa del Rey matches, an injury led to Gonzalo García emerging as the backup striker after winning the Club World Cup Golden Boot. While a permanent sale is unlikely, Real Madrid is considering loaning Endrick for 2025–26 to secure regular minutes and development elsewhere.

Dani Ceballos, a three-time Champions League winner with Madrid, remains surplus to requirements despite his reliability as a backup. The midfield is overcrowded with established stars like Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, limiting Ceballos to just 70 minutes under Alonso. Selling him could generate transfer funds and create space for potential high-profile signings like Manchester City’s Rodri.

Ferland Mendy’s persistent injury issues resurfaced in 2024–25, causing him to miss 23 games and appear in fewer than half of Madrid’s matches. His unreliable fitness since joining in 2019 has prompted the signings of Fran García and Álvaro Carreras, leaving Madrid with three left-backs. Mendy is now the most likely departure as Alonso prioritizes long-term squad stability.

David Alaba has declined significantly from his peak performance level upon joining in 2021–22. The Austrian defender is highlighted as the player Real Madrid most urgently needs to offload to accelerate the squad’s rejuvenation under Alonso.