This summer, no fewer than seven  players are out of contract at Real Madrid, where a generational  handover is already well underway.

Most significantly, that septet  includes Karim Benzema. Now 35, his future’s unclear. After leading Madrid to UCL glory and earning the Ballon d’Or, he looked a cert to renew.

However, Benzema isn’t enjoying the best of seasons in 2022/23. He’s spent a lot of time out injured, missed the World Cup, and isn’t on top form.

Endrick is to arrive at Madrid in 2024 and is Real’s bet for the future, but if Benzema doesn’t extend his deal, they’ll need a new striker next term.

Toni Kroos, 33, is also out of contract  in June - and the talk is that he could  retire. The German is playing well, but is troubled by a back problem.

Luka Modric is a free agent in the summer, too. The 37-year-old seems not to age, and has earned the right to decide if he stays on or not. 

Madrid are working on signing his successor: Jude Bellingham is the choice. If Modric renews for another year, he can mentor the youngster.

Marco Asensio, 26, looked set to leave in 2022 - but he stayed, and is starting to get more game time. If he accepts he won't be first choice, he could extend.

Dani Ceballos has never had a realistic shot of being a starter. Competing with the likes of Kroos and Modric, it was always going to be a tall order.

Cellabos has been eyeing a Betis return for a while, but if Kroos and Modric both leave, he could finally establish himself as a Real regular.

Since rejoining the club in 2018, Mariano Díaz has started 15 games. There are few doubts about his future: he’ll leave Los Blancos this summer.

The final name on the list is Nacho,  32. He’s been at Madrid all his life,  but so far he hasn’t signed a new deal. He’s a very, very useful player.

Nacho can play at centre-back, right-back, left-back… He’s unlikely to be  a first-choice pick in defence, but his versatility is an absolute godsend.