Real Madrid haven’t enjoyed the best of the transfer windows in the last two summers due to financial difficulties. In the recently concluded summer window, they only signed David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga- both have made an immediate impact this season. While Los Blancos are poised for a blockbuster transfer window next summer, they are yet to resolve the future of a few players who are currently in the final year of their contract. Here are the five players who could leave Bernabeu on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
1. Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has clearly lost his prominence over the last few years and his heyday looks like a distant memory. After his long standoff with Zinedine Zidane, the Welsh winger managed to seal a loan move to Tottenham last year. His return to the Premier League didn’t go as planned, as he struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Bale returned to the Spanish capital club in the summer and new manager Carlo Ancelotti stated that the former Spurs star would be important to his plans. The 32-year-old has netted a goal in 3 La Liga games this season, but a big question looms over his future, with his current deal expiring next year.
2. Isco
Like Bale, Isco has become a fringe figure at the moment. The Spaniard was primed to become a top player in Los Blancos and Spain’s history but even he couldn’t have dreamt of such a downfall. The former Malaga star enjoyed minutes few and far between under Zidane but under Ancelotti, he is hoping to show his best. Nonetheless, it doesn’t change the fact that he is in the final year of his contract. AC Milan were highly interested in recruiting him in the summer transfer window but found his wage demands expensive.
3. Luka Modric
Luka Modric has been defying age like no other and he continues to be a key cog in the midfield. It became evident when he recently broke a unique record. Modric, who turned 36 last month, has racked up 55 appearances after his 35th birthday, the fifth most by a player in Madrid’s history. The Croatian midfielder signed a one-year extension in the summer and it remains to be seen whether he would be interested in continuing his journey with the Spanish giants for more years.
4. Marcelo
Marcelo’s importance has reduced since the arrival of Ferland Mendy in 2019. At the same time, he hasn’t quite lived up to his expectations in recent years. But that doesn’t change the fact he is the longest-serving player of the current squad. The Brazilian’s contract runs down in the summer of 2022. Marcelo was arguably the best left-back in his prime, helping Los Blancos win a plethora of trophies. Super Lig club Fenerbahce are showing interest in signing him on a free transfer next year.
5. Antonio Blanco
Antonio Blanco made a big impression with the first team last season after racking up some fine displays. Although the young defensive midfielder is in the final few months of his contract, reports are stating that Madrid could hand him a contract extension. It would be a wise decision from the Spanish giants given that players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are in the twilight of their careers.
