From the gleaming corridors of the Santiago Bernabéu to the anxious whispers in the transfer market, who should Real Madrid sell is among the most compelling questions for fans and pundits alike in summer 2025. Under new leadership and a shifting squad philosophy, Los Blancos stand on the brink of a transformation. In this article, RusKick will walk you through the most logical candidates for exit — and which ones deserve to stay — to help clarify the debate around Real Madrid’s roster overhaul.
A New Chapter, A New Squad Philosophy
The appointment of Xabi Alonso has brought renewed ambitions and a clearer vision for Real Madrid’s next era. The club has already reinforced the backline and signaled a desire for midfield refreshment. To make space — both financially and in terms of playing time — tough decisions must be made on outgoing transfers.
Multiple reports confirm that Madrid is eyeing sales of Rodrygo, Fran García, and Eduardo Camavinga to raise funds for marquee targets like Enzo Fernández. The club is also juggling discussions around David Alaba, Brahim Díaz, and fringe players amid the need to trim the squad to 25. Many believe this summer is “Operation Departures” under Alonso’s direction.
But who truly makes sense to sell — and who should stay? Let’s dive in.
The Strongest Candidates For Sale
Below are the players most often mentioned in rumors, whose profiles and situations suggest they could be more valuable as departures than as squad members.
Rodrygo Goes
- Why sell him?
- Rodrygo remains one of Madrid’s most bankable assets. His transfer value is high, with Premier League and English clubs reportedly circling. Offloading him would free up wages and facilitate a big-money move.
- Why keep him?
- He has delivered in big moments and still has room to grow. His loss would thin depth on the right flank and reduce tactical flexibility.
- Verdict: He is very much a “sell if the right offer arrives” option — but not a guaranteed exit. Recent reports suggest Madrid has even rejected offers to keep control.
Fran García
- Why sell him?
- With Álvaro Carreras arriving, Fran’s minutes may shrink considerably. His market value is less explosive than Rodrygo’s, but Madrid could still raise funds.
- Why keep him?
- He has La Liga experience, youth on his side, and could serve as a rotation option or sell-on candidate.
- Verdict: A plausible exit, especially if Madrid needs to balance its squad or fund a midfield addition.
Eduardo Camavinga
- Why sell him?
- Camavinga has had injury issues and faces stiff competition in midfield. Some insiders say Madrid has considered him as part of its “fundraiser” trio.
- Why keep him?
- He’s still young, versatile (can play defensive or box-to-box roles), and has upside if he stays healthy.
- Verdict: He occupies a grey zone — Madrid would prefer to hold him unless a premium bid arrives.
David Alaba
- Why sell him?
- Alaba’s age, salary demands, and recent injury history make him a steady candidate. Some believe he is less central to Madrid’s defensive redesign.
- Why keep him?
- He brings experience, leadership, and defensive intelligence — often useful during transitions.
- Verdict: Probably a secondary candidate. If Madrid wants to clear salary, Alaba may be moved — but he’s not top of the sell list.
Brahim Díaz
- Why sell him?
- Brahim, with his contract nearing expiration and inconsistent form, is often cited as a short-term asset rather than long-term building block.
- Why keep him?
- He can unlock defenses in tight games and offers depth in attacking midfield roles.
- Verdict: A backup candidate for sale; likely more useful as a swing option mid-season than as a core encore.
Why Some Linked Names Likely Won’t Go
Not all names floated in rumor mills are real candidates. Let’s examine a few.
Federico Valverde & Aurélien Tchouaméni
These midfielders are not on the chopping block. They occupy irreplaceable roles in Alonso’s vision and are vital for balance in both offense and defense.
Dani Ceballos
While once a strong candidate, Ceballos sees a diminished role. Yet his salary and status mean he’s less valuable in the transfer market, making any departure low-yield and low-priority.
Other fringe & youth players
Some younger or backup players could depart quietly to make room, but they’re unlikely to generate headline fees or strategic shifts.
Strategic Logic: What Madrid Must Weigh
When deciding who should Real Madrid sell, the club must balance multiple axes:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
| Transfer value | The potential income. |
| Wage/wage balance | Exiting high-earners frees budget and reduces drag. |
| Positional overlap | Players blocked by new signings are more expendable. |
| Age & longevity | Older players have less resale upside. |
| Squad depth & flexibility | Madrid must avoid holes in key areas. |
Rodrygo, García, and Camavinga check many of these boxes, explaining why they dominate discussions. Alaba and Brahim make secondary sense if Madrid needs flexibility. Meanwhile, core talents like Valverde, Tchouaméni, and the new defensive arrivals must stay.
Hypothetical Scenarios & What They Reveal
- Rodrygo leaves for a huge offer
- Madrid reinvests heavily in midfield or brings in an explosive attacker. But the loss of depth will test Alonso’s rotation in critical matches.
- Camavinga moves, but Rodrygo stays
- Madrid sacrifices long-term upside for short-term stability, deepening midfield while keeping attacking continuity.
- Few or no big sales happen
- Madrid stagnates — with a bloated squad and limited flexibility, future windows become more constrained.
In any scenario, Madrid must tread carefully. Selling too much risks imbalance; selling too little stifles renewal.
What RusKick Thinks: The Optimal Sell List
If Real Madrid truly must offload players, here’s what RusKick advises:
- Rodrygo — high priority, if the price is right.
- Fran García — second-tier, to free up minutes and funds.
- Eduardo Camavinga — consider it, but retain if no premium bid.
- David Alaba — optional, but viable if necessary.
- Brahim Díaz — only in boutique sale or favorable deal.
In contrast, Valverde, Tchouaméni, and core defensive names should remain immutable for now.
Risks & Fan Sentiments
Selling fan-favorite icons always invites backlash. Rodrygo’s exit would shock supporters. Garcia’s move might be mourned by those who saw potential in him. Long-term, if replacements don’t pan out, Madrid could be left weaker.
That said, fans also recognize the necessity of evolution. If Madrid can translate these sales into meaningful upgrades — especially in midfield — they’ll earn forgiveness. This is a moment of tension and opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Who should Real Madrid sell isn’t just a speculative question — it’s central to Madrid’s next chapter. In 2025, ideal candidates like Rodrygo and Fran García align with both financial and strategic demands. Secondary names like Camavinga, Alaba, or Brahim may depart under pressure or tactical fit. Madrid must retain its core assets while ensuring any exits become the basis for reinvestment.
Let RusKick accompany you through every twist: stay tuned for deep dives, player profiles, and transfer analysis as the summer window develops.
