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Three out-of-contract players facing uncertain futures at Real Madrid

sportsmole.co.uk, 20 April 2023, 15:36
Real Madrid are expected to soon announce that Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have all signed new contracts with the club until the summer of 2024.

As it stands, the trio only have deals until the end of June, but it is understood that a one-year option has been activated in Benzema's deal, while Kroos suggested earlier this week that a new contract was close.

There has been speculation surrounding Modric's future, with a number of Saudi Arabian and MLS clubs expressing an interest, but the 37-year-old is also set to sign for another year.

Real Madrid have a number of other first-team players out of contract this summer, though, and one of those, Mariano Diaz, looks almost certain to depart.

However, it is unclear what the future holds for Marco Asensio, Dani Ceballos and Nacho, and with that in mind, Sports Mole takes a look at the trio's situations in the Spanish capital.

Marco Asensio

Asensio has again been a regular for Real Madrid during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.

The Spain international is not considered to be a starter for Los Blancos, though, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future over the last few months.

A number of Premier League and Italian clubs are said to be keeping a close eye on the situation surrounding a player who has seven goals and four assists in 23 La Liga appearances this term.

Asensio has also netted three Champions League goals this season, but there have been conflicting reports surrounding his future.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently urged the Spaniard to sign a new deal at Bernabeu, but he could leave in search of regular starts at this stage of his career.

The 27-year-old has made 275 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 59 goals and contributing 30 assists, and he has won a host of trophies in the process, making him a very attractive possible free signing this summer.

Dani Ceballos

Earlier this year, there were strong rumours that Ceballos was on the verge of coming to an agreement with Real Madrid over a new deal, but the situation has quietened in recent weeks.

Modric and Kroos are both set to stay for another year, while Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde are all regarded as vital players both now and in the future.

Real Madrid also continue to be heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, so it is difficult to imagine whether there will be a spot for Ceballos next season.

The 26-year-old has expressed a desire to sign a new deal at the club, and he has been a regular this season, scoring once and providing seven assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.

Ceballos has played 22 times in La Liga, in addition to six outings in the Champions League, proving to be a valuable squad player for the club during a busy season.

However, he plays in a position which is well-stocked at Bernabeu, and the club might ultimately have to make a difficult decision when it comes to the former Real Betis youngster.

Nacho

Nacho has been in Real Madrid's first team since 2011, making 310 appearances for the club in all competitions, contributing 16 goals and nine assists in the process.

The 33-year-old has actually made at least 30 appearances in six of his last seven seasons at Bernabeu, including 42 outings in all competitions last season.

Nacho has again been a regular this term, featuring on 35 occasions in all competitions, and it would be a surprise if he was allowed to leave this summer.

The Spaniard is not a starter when Real Madrid have a full squad, but he has accepted his squad role at Bernabeu and his ability to play across the defence makes him incredibly valuable.

A number of MLS clubs are said to be showing an interest, and it might be a lifestyle decision when it comes to Nacho's next move.

However, Real Madrid are yet to offer him a new contract, meaning that there is huge uncertainty surrounding his future entering the final weeks of his deal.

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