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This offseason, Real Madrid's transfer policy is quite impressive - young players are being acquired, who have the potential to become big stars in the future, unnecessary players are being let go, and the squad is being strengthened with those who are very much needed. No unnecessary mega-transfers, except for the recurring rumors that Bale should travel to Madrid for a cosmic sum.
On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti will have a tough job distributing playing time fairly to everyone. There is no player in the defensive line who played a significant role in the team last season and is now facing talks about leaving, even though Isco and Illarramendi surely did not come to Madrid to warm the bench. The return of Carvajal did not necessarily ease the tension within the team - it is clear that Arbeloa is not the man worthy of starting in a club of this caliber. So, the situation is currently like this.
Goalkeepers
The only major question mark is about Diego Lopez. Last year he replaced Casillas in goal. If Ancelotti wants the fans to love him, Casillas will return to the field and be a solid number 1.
I doubt that Diego Lopez will want to sit on the bench when he proved last season that he can be the main GK in a club of this level. There are good clubs looking for serious GKs. Adan showed dissatisfaction last season because Mourinho did not give him a chance. If he were to leave, there is Jesus, who only lacks experience.
Defenders
Problems may arise only with the left-back - if Coentrao leaves, then Real Madrid will probably look for a player who can compete with Marcelo. There would be a gap in the center if Pepe ends up moving to Manchester City. However, besides Varane and Ramos, there is also the young Nacho. Nevertheless, Real Madrid would probably acquire someone more expensive and more experienced for this position, although it is not ruled out that there will be a small purchase if Nacho does not appeal to Ancelotti as the fourth CB. The situation is probably the calmest for the right-back - Carvajal will be the main player in the lineup, Arbeloa will be the backup, and if needed, Ramos can also play there.
Conclusion - the defense is in great shape, there are no gaps, but it would cost a lot of money if Pepe were to leave or a bit less if Coentrao leaves. The competition is within normal limits.
Midfielders
Defensive midfielders could be Illarramendi, Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Casemiro, and Modric from last season. There may be two of them on the field at the same time. Perhaps the idea of selling Xabi Alonso comes to mind, who was in weak form last season. On the other hand, Real Madrid's unsuccessful season is primarily associated with Xabi's bad season. Want to know how seasons look for teams that sell Xabi? Remember Liverpool's decline. Xabi is a key player for the team, and they risk collapsing like a house of cards without him. Khedira is also a key player, especially performing well in important matches. Ancelotti might bench Modric, Casemiro, and Illarramendi. Modric may be used to being on the bench, but the newcomers will want to play a lot. Still, it is quite likely that Modric or Xabi will be sold because the competition is simply unhealthy.
Kaka, Ozil, Modric, and Isco will seek the role of the main creator. Casemiro would also seek it, but in a club of this caliber, he would probably be imagined only behind the creator. The four names mentioned above are enough to create unhealthy competition. Kaka is Ancelotti's favorite, Isco is one of the most talented Spanish footballers and a young player, Modric is of high value and a great player, Ozil has been an important figure in the midfield since 2010. However, I would start Ozil or Isco over Modric and sell Modric if he were to leave the club.
In conclusion, considering the situation in the center of the midfield, it might be considered to sell Modric. Assuming that Casemiro will not yet be a serious competitor for the starting lineup this year, selling Modric would greatly reduce competition, and the Croatian himself does not shine with many minutes on the field.
If Bale arrives, either he or CR07 should move from their usual left flank to the right. Ozil could also play on the right, and of course, di Maria, a long-time starter in that position. Even if Bale is acquired, Real Madrid will most likely buy a winger or promote one from the academy, as they let go of Mourinho's favorite Callejon. Selling di Maria might be considered, but he will probably stay, and Ozil will play less often in that position. However, the competition in the winger positions is normal.
Forwards
Benzema and Morata will stay, but their status in the team depends on the type of forward Real Madrid buys. It is certain that a purchase will be made, but the caliber is unclear. However, I do not think Real will settle for Benzema as the main striker because he has not been very consistent lately. Morata may only get time against weaker teams. And I do not believe Higuain will stay.
So, the summer in Madrid is definitely not over. It is likely that a new CB, winger, and possibly a top forward will be signed. However, it is equally important to decide how to adjust the situation with the defensive midfielders, because if no one is sold, the level of competition will be so inhuman that the team will implode. Perhaps the younger players will be willing to sit on the bench for another year, Xabi is certainly not a young player, but on the other hand, Illarramendi is already 23, he and Isco did not come to sit on the bench. So, a difficult decision awaits on who among the defensive midfielders should be sacrificed for a brighter future for the team.
