Real Madrid have to offload players this summer

Spanish giants Real Madrid have been one of the busiest clubs early in the transfer market. Los Blancos have brought in Luka Modric, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and maybe most crucially Belgian star Eden Hazard.

The signings are part of Zinedine Zidane’s plans to revive the teams flagging fortunes after an awful campaign by their high standards. However, the club from the Spanish capital do not look finished in the transfer market. Paul Pogba and Christian Eriksen are reported transfer targets this summer.

To further strengthen their squad and balance their books, Real Madrid are believed to be looking to offload some high-profile players this summer. Here are some players linked with a summer exit:

Gareth Bale

The Welsh winger has endured a mixed fortune with Los Blancos since his then world-record move from Tottenham in 2013. Despite scoring in Champions League finals and scoring other crucial games, Bale is an unpopular player amongst the fans.

Bale is a player that reportedly the Spanish giants are hoping to sell this summer. However, the problem is that seemingly there are no clubs willing to pay his massive wages. The Welshman has already stated that he prepared to stay in the Spanish capital, even if he is out of favour.

Both Manchester United and Tottenham have been monitoring his situation. However, neither would be prepared to meet his wage demands. It seems he may well still be at the club next season.

Isco

The Spanish playmaker like Bale has enjoyed a mixed Real Madrid career. He arrived from Malaga as one of the brightest young playmakers in Europe. However, for a variety of reasons he has failed to make a big enough impact to become a regular in the starting line-up. In fact, he made just 11 starts in the Spanish top-flight last season.

One of Isco’s main problems may be that he is not considered a ‘Galactico’, so is then maybe underrated by those at the Spanish club. Reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid are listening to offers of around 70million euros, which is reportedly deterring interest from Spanish club AC Milan.

There had previously been talk of interest from Manchester City and also Juventus. It would not be a major surprise to see 26-year-old leave the Spanish capital this summer.

Keylor Navas

The Costa Rican international is a very good goalkeeper and has never let Los Blancos down. However, the 32-year-old has former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois blocking his way to playing regular first-team football.

Like Isco, Navas started just 11 La Liga games last season. Real Madrid boss Zidane is a fan of the experienced stopper and restored him to the starting line-up last season. Reportedly though Navas is concerned about his game in the Spanish capital.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Benfica are close to signing Navas, with their compatriots Porto also believed to be interested in signing the reliable shot-stopper.

Marcos Asensio

The 23-year-old was regarded as one of the brightest young stars in the world game just last season. However, his form dipped last season and now reportedly Real Madrid are prepared to listen to offers.

The arrival of Hazard and Brazilian youngster Rodrigo will increase competition for places in the attacking midfield roles. Asensio still has his admirers, especially in the English game including Liverpool and Tottenham.

He seems like a player that Zidane would like to keep. However, there is also a sense that Los Blancos will sell him for the right price.

A big challenge to dethrone Barcelona

There is still plenty of work for Zidane and the club’s hierarchy to do when it comes to transfers. Last season’s campaign was simply not good enough and they have to do better next season.

The squad changes are likely to add a freshness to Real Madrid for next season. However, no matter who they sign this summer, Los Blancos will find it hard to overthrow reigning champions Barcelona. Real Madrid are currently odds of 11/8 second favourites to win La Liga next season.

The Spanish giants have done some impressive work in the transfer market so far this summer. Once all the wheeling and dealing has been done, they should have a much stronger squad, which is the aim of every club heading into a new campaign.

Who will be the biggest exits at Real Madrid this summer?