Twelve Real players ‘surplus to requirements’

At the moment, there are 37 first-team players under contract at Real Madrid, and according to AS, the services of 12 of them won’t be needed in the future.

Midfielder Martin Odegaard and right-back Achraf Hakimi could return having impressed during their loan spells at Real Sociedad and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. However, if the two of them are to arrive, someone will have to leave. Striker Borja Mayoral, temporarily with Leganes, is apparently out of the picture and will be sold. Left-back Sergio Reguilon is due back from Sevilla, though his future is unlikely to be at the Santiago Bernabeu with the likes of Marcelo and Ferland Mendy already at Zinedine Zidane’s disposal. Defender Jesus Vallejo and midfielder Dani Ceballos aren’t likely to have a place in the team either.

Zidane must also decide what to do with Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez, both of whom are being heavily linked with departure. It also goes for midfielder Luka Modric, who will be 35 in September and whose contract will have entered its final year by then. Striker Luka Jovic has had a disappointing maiden season with the Los Blancos. Mariano Diaz currently isn’t in Zidane’s plans, but he’s apparently determined to stay and try to change the Frenchman’s mind.