Real Madrid have suffered heavily from injuries so far this season, losing key players in key areas. The likes of Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão are both out with ACL injuries and are not expected back anytime soon. The club is continuing to closely follow the transfer market should reinforcements be required. In terms of players already at the club, while no definitive decisions have been made, there are serious reflections about how the squad will look at the start of next season.
According to Marca, a decision has yet to be made regarding Joselu and Kepa, both brought in temporarily to cover shortages in the side. Both have impressed, with Joselu netting five times and picking up an assist in 300 minutes of football, while Kepa has been solid between the sticks. The hierarchy still wishes to wait until the season is over before a decision is made, but what is clear is that signing Kepa permanently may not be simple, although he will have just one year left on his contract at Chelsea when he returns in the summer and it is thought that a fee of €15m would be enough to the land the 29-year-old’s permanent signature.
Joselu finds himself in the same position as Kepa; that is to say that upon his return to parent club Espanyol, he will have just one year left on his contract. The 33-year-old has become an important part of the squad at the Santiago Bernabéu, however, it feels likely that a club the size of Real Madrid will look for a bigger name, such as Kylian Mbappé or Erling Haaland, and Endrick will, of course, also arrive at the club in the summer of 2024.
Concerning those whose contracts are coming to an end soon (Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Nacho, Lucas Vázquez, Andriy Lunin), there are still no definite outcomes. Regarding Lunin, the 24-year-old has made it clear that he wishes to leave to find more playing time at another club. Nacho has again become an important part of the side after important injuries, while Vázquez, who has so far found playing time hard to come by, may come back into the picture following Dani Carvajal’s injury.
Within the club, it is thought that Modric may be in his last season, but they still have total faith in the Croatian. Kroos remains a vital part of the side, and many believe he will remain at the club for at least another season, but that decision will ultimately come down to the player.
GSFN | Finn Entwistle
