5 players that could leave Real Madrid in the summer

Real Madrid are having an unacceptable season this winter.

The Spanish giants currently sit 4th in the La Liga table trailing rivals FC Barcelona by 19 points and crashing out of Copa Del Rey in the quarterfinals.

The only ray of hope left for the struggling squad, is the UEFA Champions League, in which they face PSG in the Round-of-16.

Manager Zinedine Zidane was criticised earlier in the summer of 2017 and January 2018 for not making any crucial signings.

Zidane's spell in the Spanish capital appears to be coming to an end as his style of play is not being greeted with praise anymore by the Bernabeu faithful.

Real could be set for a massive squad revamp in the summer. We take a look at the players that could be leaving the Spanish heavyweights at the end of the season.

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese' has been struggling this season to find the back of the net.

While some may not agree with the idea, reports in Spain are already predicting Ronaldo's departure with names like Harry Kane, Eden Hazard or Neymar expected to fill the void of arguably the best player in the world.

Ronaldo is in the closing stages of his career. The pace with which he used to tear into opposing defenses has been reduced and his effectiveness has consequently dropped.

There are not many players who can replace the current Ballon d'Or holder but a change is believed to happen in the summer. If any such move happens, Manchester United would be the most likely destination for the 32-year-old.

#2 Karim Benzema

Benzema has been criticised for his performances over the last year.

Benzema has been a subject of much criticism over the past couple of years.

Real Madrid fans were never happy with their manager's choice of striker, made worse by Zidane choosing to go into the 2017-18 season without purchasing a new number #9.

The 30-year-old has found the back of the net just 6 times in 23 appearances for the Spanish Champions. This over all competitions and Benzema has clearly been struggling with fitness lately.

It would not be a surprise to see Benzema leaving the Spanish capital as Real Madrid would be looking at a big summer of spending in 2018.

#3 Keylor Navas

Keylor Navas has not been in fine form for Real Madrid.

The Costa Rican is among the few Real Madrid players who have been performing consistently. However, Navas has always been underrated and under favored at the Bernabeu and subjected to the constant speculations of David De Gea replacing him.

The Spanish giant's interest in the Manchester United goalkeeper is no secret and the Atletico Madrid youth product came close to joining the Los Blancos in 2015 when some faulty paperwork made the move collapse on deadline day.

Since then, de Gea to Madrid has become a regular transfer gossip focus. Real Madrid is likely to reignite their interest in the summer of 2018 and if reports are to be believed, an offer worth millions could be brought off the table by the Spanish giants

#4 Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale has constantly been struggling with injuries for Real Madrid.

The Welshman who was signed from Tottenham for a world record fee has constantly struggled with injuries over the years.

However, when fit, he is a complete nightmare for defenders with his bristling pace and precision with the ball.

Real Madrid appears to be running out of patience with their number #11.

They decided to keep a hold of the 28-year-old in the summer despite a strong interest from Manchester United which was ready to offer £90m for the former Spurs man.

Considering the revamp that could be happening at the Bernabeu, a price as inviting as the above could force Real Madrid into selling an injury prone player such as Bale.

Moreover, Bale could act as a possible makeweight in any deal for David de Gea as United will be out looking for a right winger.

#5 Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane has failed to impress since replacing Pepe in 2017.

The Frenchman has been a mainstay since he joined Real Madrid. He spent much of his early days on the bench playing second fiddle to Pepe but has cemented his place in the starting XI.

Since then, the defender has failed to make an impact with the side. Real Madrid would certainly be looking for a quality center-back to partner with Sergio Ramos and ease the workload off their skipper. The French international could be leaving the European Champions in the summer as any new defensive acquisitions would see him falling down the pecking order at the Bernabeu.