Should Real Madrid release or keep its expiring contracts?

• Real Madrid could lose several first-team players for free this summer
• Luka Modric and Toni Kroos among those with contracts expiring
• Decisions also need to be made on two loanees

With the signing of manager Carlo Ancelotti to a new deal, Real Madrid has been able to provide more clarity on their immediate future.

Rejecting Brazil’s efforts, Ancelotti decided to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he is developing a squad of talented young players.

However, what should be done with Madrid’s seasoned and seasoned members? Do they also need to hold onto their loanees after the season?

Yes, they should definitely retain Luka Modric if it came down to Madrid.

The midfield player himself is the issue, since he has previously voiced his displeasure with his diminished position this season. This has led to constant rumours that Modric will be joining Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

Modric is clearly not the same player he once was at 38, but he is still capable of performing at the top level and creating magical moments with the ball. Just like Madrid, football purists will want him to stay.

VERDICT:KEEP

Similar to Modric, Toni Kroos has also seen less playing time as a starter but has nevertheless contributed to key moments for Real Madrid this year.

Given their lack of muscle and intensity these days, Ancelotti has come under fire in Spain for starting Kroos and Modric together. However, with so many young, talented midfielders in the team, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem to alternate their usage going forward.

Once more, Kroos should be the one to decide whether to accept one last challenge or stay and take on a supporting role for a club where he is a legend.

VERDICT:KEEP

Nacho Fernandez

Although Nacho Fernandez is definitely not good enough to start for Madrid at this point in his career, that doesn’t mean he isn’t valuable to them.

Even in the upcoming season, he will still be required to fill a position as the club captain and a versatile defender. Despite his downturn, he still has value and satisfactorily fills an indigenous position in the Champions League.

Conclusion: HOLD

Lucas Vazquez

Madrid must prioritise strengthening at full-back in the upcoming transfer windows, as Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich and Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen have both been rumoured to be interested in joining the Santiago Bernabeu.

Vazquez should be free to ride off into the sunset as one of the most significant utility players in club history after Madrid decides to hang onto him for one more season while any replacement right-back settles in.

VERDICT:KEEP

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Let’s talk loanees.

Although Thibaut Courtois tore his ACL last season, Kepa Arrizabalaga was supposed to be Madrid’s saving grace in goal. However, the Belgian’s former backup, Andriy Lunin, has mostly outperformed him. This is somewhat embarrassing for Arrizabalaga.

It’s difficult to blame Madrid for reaching the conclusion that Kepa’s transfer from Chelsea is unlikely to be permanent, as reports have previously hinted.

VERDICT: RELEASE