da apostaganha： A number of out-of-contract players have already had their exits from Santiago Bernabeu confirmed, but who else should depart the club this summer?

da dobrowin： Real Madrid's summer will be defined by who arrives. Karim Benzema's surprise exit to the Saudi Pro League has turned their transfer plans upside down. Los Blancos suddenly need a striker, and potentially at least one more attacking player.

Meanwhile, their midfield ranks could use some reinforcement, something already sorted by the near-complete addition of Jude Bellingham. But in order to facilitate all of that, Madrid need to slash some salary elsewhere. Players such as Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Ceballos now find themselves facing uncertain futures, with a potential sale or refusal to renew on the cards.

But Madrid cannot simply strip their squad bare in order to accommodate for the big names. Indeed, Los Blancos will have to be meticulous with their decisions.

GOAL takes a look at who should be renewed, who should be sold, and who might stay…

Getty ImagesKEEP: Brahim Diaz

Madrid's summer is going to be defined by who they bring in, and a sneakily important one could be Milan loanee Diaz. The attacking midfielder has enjoyed a successful two years in Italy, becoming a key part of the Rossoneri's 2021-22 Scudetto-winning side.

But turbulence in Milan makes a permanent deal difficult, while the midfielder could add something different to a predictable Madrid. Los Blancos have been needing a punch of creativity between the lines for a while now, and will further need it with Benzema gone. Once an outcast, Diaz could be a key player next year.

AdvertisementGettySELL: Ferland Mendy

Mendy's situation is a tough one. He was reliable in Madrid's 2022 Champions League run, and kept Mohamed Salah relatively quiet in the final, but his fortunes have changed since then.

He was shaky in the first half of last season, and then hit by a series of injuries after the World Cup. A miserable showing against Villarreal in January, when he was directly responsible for two goals before being run ragged by Samuel Chukwueze, was the low point of his Madrid career thus far.

Since then, Madrid have pursued re-signing former youth product Fran Garcia, making it very clear where their priorities lie at the position.

Getty ImagesKEEP: Aurelien Tchouameni

This shouldn't really be a question, but the pressures of wearing Madrid white have put the France midfielder's future in doubt. In replacing club legend Casemiro, Tchouameni was effectively handed an impossible job, though when Madrid were winning, he was dubbed a perfect signing.

But when things went wrong, fingers were quickly pointed at the 23-year-old. Tchouameni hasn't been a regular since January, and his position, once guaranteed, is under threat. Still, he's got bags of potential. He's not one to get rid of — not yet, at least.

Getty ImagesSELL: Nacho

In a ruthless world, Nacho is an easy one to let go. He's been a terrific servant to the club, but he's well beyond 30, and will probably be better off seeking more consistent playing time elsewhere. The Spain international has been linked with Inter, but plenty of clubs will be after his signature.

There are signs, too, that Ancelotti is already preparing for a future without the defender. He has experimented with both Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger at full-back positions, and also has David Alaba as an option. With Benzema to replace and a few other players needed, Nacho seems to be a fairly simple sacrifice, even if it seems like Madrid themselves are keen to keep him.