As things stand, there are 6 Real Madrid players with contracts expiring in 2024:
- Kepa Arrizabalaga
- Toni Kroos
- Luka Modric
- Nacho Fernandez
- Joselu
- Lucas Vazquez
But which contract extensions should Carlo Ancelotti prioritise? Well, let’s take a look by ranking the players from worst to best…
6 Real Madrid players with contracts expiring in 2024 ranked from worst to best
6. Kepa Arrizabalaga
Someone has to take the last spot and I regret to say, it’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spanish goalkeeper is only with Real Madrid on loan, with his contract expiring at the end of this season. He has been good when he plays, but his wages are far too high to be considered as the back-up goalkeeper. Furthermore, Andriy Lunin has impressed more since Courtois’ injury, so he should be offered a contract extension instead.
5. Nacho Fernandez
The club captain and a loyal servant but unfortunately for Real Madrid, it is the end of Nacho’s time.
This season, he has been forced into playing as the centre-back, with injuries haunting the team. Therefore, he has probably played more than he expected and fans have noticed a few more mistakes coming from the Spaniard. While this season won’t tarnish his club legend status, it’s time for Nacho to leave so Real can build for the future.
4. Joselu
Like Kepa, Joselu is only at Real Madrid on loan. However, he has more chance than his Spanish counrtyman to extend his stay, should he agree to the conditions.
Joselu has a great work-rate and he clearly embodies what the club is about. If he would like to stay at the Bernabeu, then fans would certainly appreciate his presence since he’s been a great back-up striker this season. The only other thing to say on the matter is that with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick arriving, Joselu’s minutes will decrease next season.
3. Lucas Vazquez
Lucas Vazquez must go down as a club legend, coming through the youth academy and making a real name for himself with some classy moments, including in the Champions League final.
While he has not always been one of the star players or a first-team staple, he has always come with a great attitude and a willingness to give his all to the club. It is hard to imagine Vazquez at any other club.
2. Luka Modric
Luka Modric is without a doubt a club legend. The Croatian midfielder will go down as one of the greatest midfielders of all time and this season, he has continued to prove that, with his last-gasp goal against Sevilla proving this.
It must be said, though, that Modric has looked like a player who is at the end of his Real Madrid tenure at times this season. Also, given that he turned down an offer to stay from Carlo Ancelotti, I cannot see him in a Real Madrid shirt next season.
1. Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos is very quietly having one of the best seasons of his career this term. The midfielder has been in the La Liga starting eleven on 18 occasions this season, more than anyone on this list.
Toni Kroos is in the last season of his Real Madrid contract, having extended it by a year last summer. He would be missed if he joins another club but given his insistence to leave at the right time and not wanting to bench-warm (understandably), fans would understand his decision to leave.