MU Shorts
Four Real Madrid players who could leave in the final days of the transfer window
Less than four days remain before the summer transfer window of 2022 closes. But, there are unlikely to be any late incomings at Real Madrid.
The Merengues did their business early by signing Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger, and manager Carlo Ancelotti has since continued to insist that there will be no new players arriving, despite the need for a new centre-forward.
Instead, the focus will be on player exits, which has been the case for much of the window so far. Indeed, Real Madrid have already sold a host of players this summer and are likely to part ways with a few more before the window slams shut.
Marco Asensio
The most high-profile name on the list, Marco Asensio finds himself close to the exit doors at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Real Madrid will let the winger leave if a good offer arrives and interest in the Spaniard is rising from the Premier League.
Teams like Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked, while AC Milan are also an option, although their interest has seemingly receded in recent days. With the 26-year-old in the final year of his contract and no longer favoured, a departure would make sense for all parties involved.
Mariano Diaz
Another player who no longer belongs in the plans of manager Ancelotti and has been told to find a new club for himself, Mariano Diaz should be on his way out of the Bernabeu in the next few days. He has been attracting interest from a host of La Liga clubs but has been reluctant to leave.
However, there has been a change in his stance in recent weeks, with an exit looking more and more likely. The 29-year-old is reportedly keen on leaving the club on a free transfer by terminating his contract, but Los Blancos are reluctant to sanction that operation. So, it remains to be seen how things pan out.
Jesus Vallejo
The Real Madrid academy graduate finds himself way down the pecking order of things at the club this season. Indeed, he is the fifth-choice centre-back at the Bernabeu, with Eder Militao, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez all ahead of him.
Despite that, he wants to stay at the club even though there are no prospects for him in terms of playing time. So, with there being some interest from clubs in La Liga, Vallejo could decide to move on in the final stages of the transfer window.
Alvaro Odriozola
The final name on the list is another defender who has not been a part of the plans at Real Madrid for a few years now. After having spent the last season away on loan at Fiorentina, Alvaro Odriozola is back at the Spanish capital club but does not belong in the scheme of things.
Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez and even Vinicius Tobias are ahead of the Spanish right-back and the club are working to find a solution for his future before the window closes. There has been some degree of interest from clubs in Italy and England, while former club Real Sociedad could also be a destination.
Real Madrid will lock horns with Elche CF away at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight in Matchday 6 of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
The Merengues are currently second in the league standings with four wins and one defeat from five games, three points behind Barcelona, who are yet to drop a single point this term, and have looked unstoppable.
Given the situation, Real Madrid know there is no room for slip-up, even though it is still very early in the season.
Jose Mourinho’s men have not been particularly convincing away from home this term, having just about managed to beat RCD Espanyol in their opening match before falling to their only defeat of the campaign against Real Betis.
The hope will be to address that issue and put in a strong performance while collecting all three points heading into the derby against Atletico Madrid later in the week.
Going into the match, Los Blancos have not received any new fitness boosts, with Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy still unavailable.
However, there will likely be some rotations with an eye on the derby, and here’s how Mourinho could set his team up against Elche tonight.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold has had to share minutes with summer signing Denzel Dumfries so far this season, but will be hoping to make the right-back spot his own with a convincing performance tonight against Elche.
Meanwhile, on the left, Alvaro Carreras is expected to retain his place after a brilliant display at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano, which would also allow Marc Cucurella to be protected before the derby.
At centre-back, Dean Huijsen is expected to return to the starting lineup, at the expense of Antonio Rudiger, and partner with Ibrahima Konate.
Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid and will continue his search for a second clean sheet this season.
Midfield
While Aurelien Tchouameni has returned from his injury layoff, he is unlikely to be rushed back by Mourinho. As such, the Frenchman is likely to feature off the bench once again tonight at Elche.
Instead, the double pivot pairing of Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva is expected to take the field once again, with Eduardo Camavinga also having to settle for a spot among the substitutes.
Jude Bellingham has started all of Real Madrid’s matches so far this season and given his form and importance to the team, Mourinho will not rotate him tonight against Elche.
Attack
Yan Diomande made his first start at Real Madrid last weekend against Rayo Vallecano but failed to make the best impression.
Meanwhile, Arda Guler was once again brilliant for Los Blancos after coming on as a substitute, making a strong case for him to be reinstated to the starting XI on the right wing.
As for the left side of the attack, Vinicius Jr. will retain his place, hoping to find his best form after a rather slow start to the campaign.
Kylian Mbappe, who has now scored six goals in La Liga this season, will spearhead the attack, hoping to end his run of seven months without scoring away from home in the league.
