This season has not gone well for Real Madrid, but there is still time to recover. The chance to reach the Champions League semi-finals is gone, but Ancelotti’s team remains in contention for La Liga and will face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final next Saturday in Seville. Additionally, the Club World Cup, set to debut in a new format from mid-June to July, holds special importance for Real, though by then, next season’s plans will already be decided.

The months of April and May are crucial for determining the future of several key Real players, including Lucas Vázquez, Fran García, Luka Modrić, and David Alaba. These four players are expected to feature in the starting lineup against Getafe as part of squad rotation ahead of the Copa del Rey final.

These players fall into two broad categories: Vázquez and Modrić, whose contracts expire this summer (until July and the end of the Club World Cup), and García and Alaba, whose contracts extend beyond next summer.

Lucas Vázquez: The End of a Decade of Loyalty

Of these four, Vázquez’s future is the most uncertain. The 33-year-old is currently in his tenth season with Real’s first team. A product of the club’s academy, he commands great respect in the dressing room, boasts a trophy-laden career, and has never complained about being benched or playing out of position. However, Ancelotti has preferred Fede Valverde in his role during big games.

At right-back, Dani Carvajal has renewed his contract (despite a serious injury) and been given another season to recover, while the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold is almost certain. If this transfer goes through, Vázquez’s place will effectively be lost. Nevertheless, he still prioritizes staying at Real, but if forced to leave, he will depart with pride and five Champions League titles.

Modrić: Another Extension?

Modrić’s story is repetitive yet admirable. Every season, it seems like his last at Real, but his performances earn him another contract. At 39 (turning 40 in September), he still believes he can stay at Real for another season and even make it to the 2026 World Cup.

This season, he has played 50 games and logged nearly 2,500 minutes on the pitch. After Kroos’ departure, Modrić’s importance has only grown, and while Real may sign a midfielder in his mold (like Zubimendi), he is ready to compete. If he finishes the season strongly, an extension until 2026 is likely.

Fran García: Stay or Be Replaced?

García is under contract until June 2027, but doubts remain about his quality at Real. Ancelotti has used him in Mendy’s absence (who is frequently injured), but in key moments, he prefers Alaba (who has just returned from a long injury) or even Camavinga.

Efforts to sign Alphonso Davies failed (he chose to stay at Bayern), but the club is still looking for a defender with attacking traits like Marcelo or Roberto Carlos. García, with just four assists, has not met expectations.

David Alaba: Heavy Contract, Diminished Performance

Alaba is in a unique situation. The player was injured for over a year, and his return has naturally taken time. Ancelotti plays him at center-back and left-back, hoping he regains his old form. His contract runs until 2026, with a net salary of around €12 million—a figure few clubs can afford.

Thus, his departure is unlikely, and he will likely see out his contract at Real. But if his form doesn’t improve, he won’t get much playing time next season when players like Raúl Asensio, Éder Militão, and even Juan Martínez join the squad.