Los Blancos are enduring another season of turmoil, as they have clearly not taken to Rafa Benitez’ ideas. The Spaniard replaced Carlo Ancelotti as the Real Madrid manager only in the summer, but he is already on the verge of being sacked if rumours are to be believed. President Florentino Perez must be heavily dissatisfied with the results so far, but there is little that the team can do now especially in the domestic competitions.
Along with the manager, a number of players are expected to pay the price for what is turning out to be a very poor season for Madrid. Several names, including some galacticos, are linked with an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu.
- Karim Benzema
Even though the Frenchman cost relatively a snip at £35 million, he is believed to be the favourite of Perez. However, controversies with the French national team coupled with poor performances have taken him out of the limelight. The striker has scored 15 goals in 15 appearances for the Spanish club, but his presence has been a major distraction for the team.
Benzema has not had a run of matches like he would wish because of injuries and poor form. Still just 28 years old, Madrid will see this as the best opportunity to cash in on the player. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United remain interested in the former Lyon forward.
- James Rodriguez
Chelsea and Manchester United will be ready to enter into a bidding war for the Colombian forward, who cost Madrid a whopping €80 million only in 2014 summer. Rodriguez enjoyed a fine debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu, but he has been in and out of the team under Benitez. He has featured in only nine games for the Spanish club. Benitez does not remain happy with the player, who wants to feature as the number 10.
If Benitez stays at Madrid, Rodriguez may consider moving on.
- Isco
Another player who has been looked down for the first-team action is Isco, who was an important part of the team under Ancelotti. Being forced to sit on the sidelines constantly led to visible signs of frustration. Isco looked wretched after not being part of the starting line-up for the game against Villarreal. Madrid ended up losing the game with Benitez going for the trio of Luka Modric, James Rodriguez, and Casemiro.
Arsenal are favourites to sign Isco when the transfer window opens in January.
Aside from these names, former Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos is also reportedly unsettled at the Spanish outfit. Several more could join the list if the club’s poor form persists into 2016.
