Real Madrid have done an admirable job in the transfer market this summer. They have brought in four new players in the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Alvaro Carreras.
On the other hand, some veterans have left the club as well, including Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez. Additionally, Jesus Vallejo has joined La Liga 2 side Albacete. Some more names were linked with a move away as well, but with the transfer window officially closed as we speak, they are expected to stay at the club for now.
That said, these players must improve their performance or face the axe in January.
Here are three Real Madrid players who survived this summer but are on thin ice.
3 Real Madrid players who survived the transfer window but are already on thin ice
Ferland Mendy
Real Madrid’s new coach Xabi Alonso prefers to opt for attacking fullbacks in his setup. Mendy, as we all know, is the exact opposite of that requirement. While the French defender is one of the best when it comes to shutting down wingers, his involvement is close to none in the offensive part of the game.
In his 247 games for Los Blancos, Mendy has scored just six goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions, which simply isn’t enough for a club of Real Madrid’s calibre.
Early indications suggest that Carreras is currently the preferred choice for the manager at the left back position, with Fran Garcia seemingly just behind him. Mendy, who is currently sidelined with an injury, will be the third choice in the pecking order upon his return.
Mendy has a contract running until 2028. But it’s needless to say that the 30-year-old will have to drastically improve his attacking presence, chances of which are less, frankly speaking, or the club will try to offload him in the next transfer window.
Dani Ceballos
With the emergence of Arda Guler in Alonso’s squad, Ceballos’s role has been limited. Although he has appeared in all three La Liga matches this season, it was only off the bench and the cumulative total minutes is just 22.
The Spanish international was close to leaving, with Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille interested in his services, but the player decided against the move. Ceballos was reportedly holding on to join Real Betis, but the clock has run out. For the time being, the 29-year-old should try to impress the manager with his performances and take any chances that come his way with open arms. Failure to do so will inevitably sanction a move away in the next window.
Rodrygo Goes
This name might come as a shock to many. But yes, Rodrygo, the player who was famously the saviour against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League semifinals second leg, makes this list.
There’s little doubt that Rodrygo has played his part under Carlo Ancelotti, winning a number of trophies. That said, the Brazilian had an awful second half last season as his goal involvements dried up significantly.
Indeed, Rodrygo doesn’t get to play at his natural left-wing position very often, which might be a major factor in his recent struggles, but with the presence of Vinicius Junior and Mbappe in the team, it is unlikely that the 24-year-old will ever get on top of the pecking order in that position.
In the first three games of the season, Rodrygo has appeared twice but is yet to register a goal or an assist. Moreover, the right-wing spot is also heating up with Mastantuono impressing everyone with his performances And Guler capable of operating there as well. All things considered, the winger will have to soon find his old form or risk seeing his Real Madrid dream come to an end.