Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has prepared a list of players who could face the axing this summer and there are certainly some big shocks in it.
Real Madrid have been tipped to sign a lot of players during the summer under Zinedine Zidane’s influence from the helm. Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Mauro Icardi, Christian Eriksen and Paul Pogba are don’t even complete a long list of players who have been linked with a switch of pastures to the White House in Spain.
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While some may arrive and some may stay put at their respective clubs, Zinedine Zidane is planning to sell a lot of his players as well. According to Sport English, the French manager has now prepared his blacklist of players at the Santiago Bernabeu and will be open to selling them in case an offer comes.
On top of the list is Gareth Bale. The Wales international has struggled to maintain fitness and not even scored half the goals in this season that Cristiano Ronaldo did in the past. He was never a favourite under Zinedine Zidane, plus with his fitness and ego issues, the Madrid manager wants to get rid of him.
Mariano Diaz who has had an injury crippled season but failed to convince when given the chances will also be vacating his role. The former Lyon man will be permanently sold in the summer. Marco Asensio could also follow, but Zinedine Zidane does believe that the Majorcan did have a bad season and may give him room to improve in 2019/20.
Interestingly, Isco has not yet convinced Zinedine Zidane. The former Malaga midfielder started only three of the 30 matches overseen by Santiago Solari but he has been playing more often lately. In fact, Isco was instrumental in all of Zidane’s seasons at Madrid so he may get a chance to prove himself as well. But the final decision rests with Zidane.
Toni Kroos’ future in Madrid is not insured either. The Germany international has not had the best of seasons, and with Manchester City hovering, Zidane might let go of him as well. Surprisingly, Luka Modric also makes the list. The Croat’s contract expires in 2020 and Zizou may allow him to leave with suitors across Europe still being keen on him.
Lastly, most youngsters are set to leave. Marcos Llorente and Dani Ceballos are nearly certain departures whereas Jesus Vallejo also has a foot and a half outside Real Madrid. Sergio Reguilon has not impressed Zidane either and could be shipped out probably on a loan as could Raphael Varane potentially, who will have no shortage of offers.
Keylor Navas will also not be offered guarantees over playing time and thus, Zidane’s transparency in action might see the Costa Rican shot stopper depart the club as well. And finally, Mateo Kovacic, Raul de Tomas, Borja Mayoral and Martin Odegaard might all pack their bags before even finishing their respective stints.
Which three players would you sell from those listed by Zinedine Zidane?