They might have been the players that finally completed Real Madrid's dream of 'La Decima' by winning the Champions League last season, but many of them could be playing elsewhere come the new campaign.
Despite lifting the European Cup and pushing eventual champions Atletico Madrid all the way in La Liga, something of an overhaul is taking place at the Bernabeu.
Already blessed with an incredible array of talent, Carlo Ancelotti now has World Cup winning midfielder Toni Kroos and the star of the Brazil tournament James Rodriguez at his disposal. However the outlay of £87m on those two players could spell the end of some Real Madrid careers.
Here, we take a look at those who could be departing this summer and consider their possible destinations.
Angel Di Maria
The Argentina winger might have had the shot that rebounded to Gareth Bale for the match winning goal in the Champions League final back in May, but Real Madrid have informed various clubs that he is on the market. Since joining Real Madrid from Benfica in 2010 he has been a regular in the side and notched 22 goals in La Liga during that time. Manchester United are understood to be among those leading the chase however the 26-year-old, who helped his country reach the final of the World Cup, is apparently not keen on missing out on Champions League football next term.
Isco
Real Madrid paid out €30 for Isco just last summer but despite eight goals in 32 league appearances, the Spain international could be set for a swift exit. The arrival of Kroos and Rodriguez looks particularly damaging for the 22-year-old's Real Madrid career. Manchester City are reportedly first in line, with Manuel Pellegrini, who worked with him at Malaga, perhaps acting as a persuading figure in convincing him to move to the Etihad.
Manchester City are interested in Isco who could be surplus to requirements at Real Madrid
Sami Khedira
Having just won the World Cup with Germany it seems madness that Real Madrid would let Khedira leave. However the 27-year-old has less than a year remaining on his contract and with the arrival of Kroos plus Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric available in central midfield, Los Blancos are reportedly willing to let him go. Arsenal have held talks over a £25m deal, although the wage demands of the former Stuttgart player could prove a stumbling block.
Karim Benzema
The Frenchman has been persistently linked with a move away from the Bernabeu but has kept proving his worth to the European champions during his five years at the club. The Frenchman is still thought to be in Ancelotti's plans, despite the £63m arrival of Rodriguez, however a bumper bid could sway Real Madrid that they can do without the 26-year-old next season. Arsenal are among those often linked with Benzema, owing mostly to his nationality, but a host of sides would be interested were he to come available.
Luka Modric
The arrival of Kroos has left Real Madrid with too many options in midfield, and if Khedira sees out his contract, Modric could be the one to make way. Despite being voted the worst signing of the season soon after his arrival from Tottenham in 2012, the Croatian has gone on to show why Real Madrid splashed £30m on him.
Croatia midfielder Luka Modric
Raphael Varane
The France international is reportedly frustrated by his low wages in comparison to some of the Galacticos around him. Currently holding talks with the club, it is possible that another could snatch the 21-year-old away. Among those who could be interested are Chelsea, a team on the look out for a long-term replacement for John Terry. That Jose Mourinho made Varane a regular in the starting XI at the Bernabeu won't do any harm if they sure up any interest.
Raphael Varane in action for France
Iker Casillas
If there were doubts over Casillas' future prior to the World Cup, there are many more after his two dreadful performances in Brazil. The 33-year-old captain of the national side has not been a regular for a couple of seasons owing to the consistently brilliant displays by Diego Lopez. For a long time was linked with Arsenal, but the imminent arrival of David Ospina at the Emirates looks to have ended that move. Many others will be interested though.
Latest Stories
-
I’ve no plans to leave comedy for movie production, says Basketmouth
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo seeks to use Bawumia to complete Akyem Agenda– Asiedu Nketiah
1 hour -
‘Bawku conflict politicised for electoral gains’ -Martin Amidu alleges
1 hour -
‘Let industry players play the game ‘ – AOMC boss slams political interference in oil sector
2 hours -
Let’s learn from ExxonMobil, high flyers must lead the way for mergers – AOMC Boss
2 hours -
‘So many regulations, yet corruption prevails’ – Dr Riverson Oppong on OMC oversaturation
2 hours -
At least 24 dead after two boats capsize off coast of Madagascar
3 hours -
Madina MP lauds White Chapel Youth Group for championing peace ahead of elections
3 hours -
Man United settle for draw at Ipswich Town in Amorim’s first game in charge
4 hours -
GPL 2024/2025: Prince Owusu screamer earns Medeama win over Young Apsotles
4 hours -
BBC visits mpox clinic as WHO says DR Congo cases ‘plateauing’
4 hours -
Burning old TVs to survive in Ghana: The toxic trade in e-waste
4 hours -
Perfume boss admitted he ignored Russia sanctions
5 hours -
Wicked proves popular as opening set to be biggest for Broadway film
5 hours -
Nominee for agriculture secretary completes Trump cabinet
5 hours