Real Madrid are braced for a squad downsize as another trophyless season could push a summer shake-up.
The 15-time European champions are set to work towards a smaller squad ahead of the next campaign and could axe eight first-team players.
Following their exit from the Champions League – after losing to Bayern Munich 4-3 in the quarter-finals – the European giants are looking at another season without silverware.
There are several areas where the club need to focus their attention, according to Marca.
But the simplest task may be to reduce the squad size.
The Bernabeu outfit may look to gather a group of 22 first-team players.
And then supplement that with reserves like Thiago Pitarch and Joan Martinez.
The blockbuster departure may be captain Dani Carvajal, whose contract expires on June 30.
But Real are willing to leave that decision up to the skipper given he has earned a legendary status at the club.
David Alaba is expected to leave the club as a free agent in June after making only eight league appearances this season.
And while his contract runs until next year, Dani Ceballos may be another to join him.
Antonio Rudiger’s contract is set to run out this summer too.
But, according to reports from Matteo Moretto, the defender will most likely sign a one-year extension deal.
But the contracts won’t make the calls for everyone.
Eduardo Camavinga and Marco Asensio are two who could look for the exit following recent performances.
Fran Garcia and Gonzalo Garcia are two other names in the transfer talk.
Meanwhile, superstars Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham remain untouchable as the pillars of the project.
They are set to lead a core also featuring Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler.
Last summer’s arrivals – including Trent, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras – are also safe despite a disappointing season overall.
And while the overall opinion of the manager’s efforts is positive given the extent of the injuries, they have decided to push back the deadline for a decision on boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
The Spaniards have had their hopes of a Champions League and Copa del Rey trophy quashed.
And rivals Barcelona sit nine points clear at the top of LaLiga, meaning a miracle is needed to turn the league around.
