Real Madrid intend to trim their squad size – more departures likely than arrivals | OneFootball

A period of reflection is under way at Real Madrid. Elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage, which leaves the team facing a season without major trophies, has prompted analysis and evaluation.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s job is far from being secure, with several names already being talked up as possible candidates to become the next manager of Real Madrid.

Aim for a smaller squad

On top of deciding Arbeloa’s future, another objective at Real Madrid is to reduce the size of the squad for next season, reports MARCA.

The idea is to have a group of around 22 first-team players, supplemented by reserve players such as Thiago Pitarch and Joan Martinez. So, there is a possibility that there will be more departures than arrivals.

Within the club, there is a belief that, despite numerous injuries, the squad has been too large this season, creating uncomfortable situations and complaints from players over limited or no playing time.

Who can leave?

Some of those players have little chance of remaining. The clearest cases are David Alaba, whose contract expires in June, and Dani Ceballos, who, despite being contracted until 2027, is also expected to leave.

Expected to depart. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Antonio Rudiger’s deal also ends this summer, although his performances have earned him the possibility of staying.

Dani Carvajal’s contract also expires on 30 June. Real Madrid’s intention is to respect the wishes of the captain, a longstanding figure at the club and a legend.

There are also contracted players who could depart. These include Eduardo Camavinga and Raul Asencio, in particular, while Fran García and Gonzalo García could also fall into this category.

In any case, the analysis being conducted by the club includes all members of the squad, including key players such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, who are expected to remain the foundations of the project.

They are joined by players who have demonstrated their importance in recent seasons, such as Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Güler, among others.