What does Real Madrid's Copa del Rey exit mean for their future?
On Wednesday night, Real Madrid succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against FC Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey semi-final. Casemiro's reaction after conceding the penalty and Reguilion's tears summed up the night for the Los Blancos . They were helpless, yet had only themselves to blame for the result. Their inefficiency in front of goal had cost them the match and a place in the final.
Let's look at what are the implications of the loss for the European Champions and how it could impact their season and the future.
#3 A Summer Exodus is On The Horizon
This is something Madrid have needed for a while but now it's just a matter of when and not if. Real Madrid will have to refresh their squad going into next season. Florentino Perez needs to sell, multiple of their aging and worn out stars. The overhaul needs to begin this summer and Madrid should bid farewell to six or seven senior players.
Keylor Navas is on top of the list as there is no place for him in the squad because of Thibaut Courtois's arrival. The club understand that a goalkeeper of his caliber must play at a top level regularly and it's unlikely they will block any potential offers for him. Isco's relationship with Solari is at an all-time low. He has become somewhat disinterested in playing for Los Blancos and might be the first one to leave.
Luka Modric's time at Real might be coming to an end too. He is 33 and is not getting any younger. Inter Milan have an eye on him since the World Cup and Real could use this opportunity to cash him on. Media reports have linked Marcelo with a move to Juventus for some time now. As Real have already found his replacement in Sergio Reguilon, it would be best for him to leave gracefully rather than being forced out.
Maximum changes are possible in the forward line. Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Marco Asensio could all be sold to make room for new stars. Due to his impressive form, Karim Benzema might not face the axe. Gareth Bale's continuous fitness problems and his inability to adapt to Spanish Football could signal his end in the Spanish capital. As for Asensio, a return of five goals and three assists in 32 appearances is not acceptable for a player donning the famous white shirt.