Real Madrid, ravaged by a string of bad results and a long list of injuries, may consider a mini-squad overhaul when the January transfer window opens, reports said.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti is himself overseeing the plans for Real Madrid's "squad restructuring" in January and has already singled out three players to be sold for the overhaul to happen. The trio either failed to live up to the expectations or has serious fitness concerns, costing them a future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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1. Aurelien Tchouameni (Midfielder)
As earlier reports claimed, Real Madrid is planning to sell their young French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. According to a report by Relevo, Real is not satisfied with Tchouameni's performance in the middle of the park. The talented youngster who can play as a CDM, CM and even as a CB at times, has not been effective alongside Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham after Toni Kroos decided to hang his boots at the end of last season.
Tchouameni, who played 15 times this season for Real Madrid, is expected to attract bids from multiple teams including Premier League giants.
2. David Alaba (Defender)
Austrian captain David Alaba, 32, is the second player on the list. Despite being one of the most versatile players in the current Real squad, fitness concerns stopped the former Bayern Munich star from performing consistently at the Spanish capital. Alaba, who can play as LB, CB, CDM and even CM, is currently nursing a career-threatening wearing of the knee cartilage.
Alaba never regained full fitness after being sidelined since late last year due to an ACL injury.
3. Ferland Mendy (Defender)
French left-back Ferland Mendy is the final name on the "exit list". The 29-year-old often gets game time but Ancelotti is not satisfied with his performance, Sportskeeda said in a report. He is considered the weak link in the heart of the Madrid defence and is not very effective going forward either. Bayern's Canadian international Alphonso Davies has long been linked to Real Madrid, making things further difficult for Mendy who arrived from Lyon in 2019.
Real Madrid injury concerns
Real is without captain Dani Carvajal for the entire season after the right-back tore his ACL last month. First-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is also out injured, along with recent additions Eder Militao, Lucas Vazques and Rodrygo. The situation is catastrophic for the defending European champions particularly in the defense department with only Antonio Ruediger, Ferland Mendy, Vallejo and Fran Gracia in their senior squad to choose from.