INSIDE the Real Madrid purge: A MAJOR pillar will leave the club this summer, all that’s missing is the timing!

The summer of 2025 promises to be turbulent for Real Madrid, not only because of their aggressive moves in the transfer market but also due to the looming departures of key squad members. Despite clinching domestic and European titles in recent years, Los Blancos appear ready to implement another major reshuffle — one that could shake the core of the team.

Real Madrid is known for its unwritten but consistently applied policy: every major arrival must be balanced by the exit of an established name. It’s a sort of tradition at the Bernabéu — a “Galáctico in, Galáctico out” principle. This summer, that tradition seems destined to continue, with multiple sources indicating that at least one major star is preparing to leave the club.

History speaks for itself. Ángel Di María was forced out to make room for James Rodríguez. Mesut Özil had to depart when Gareth Bale landed. Even when Cristiano Ronaldo left, Real Madrid was already plotting a new offensive era. However, in the summer of 2024, Kylian Mbappé joined and, in a rare exception, no major player was forced out. That balance may now be tilting back.

Rodrygo Goes, one of the club’s most marketable and dynamic attacking players, is at the center of these rumors. Though nothing has been finalized, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Brazilian could be sacrificed to pave the way for new signings — both financially and tactically. With other stars like Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. untouchable, Rodrygo’s position appears increasingly precarious.

What has triggered this anticipated purge? Real Madrid’s recent transfer spree is the main catalyst. The club has already splashed over €70 million to secure Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. While Huijsen’s deal cost around €60 million across three installments, Trent’s symbolic €10 million move is tied to participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

That’s not all. The Merengues have also finalized the signing of Franco Mastantuono, a highly-rated young Argentine, on a five-year deal. Moreover, they’re in advanced negotiations for Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras, a promising left-back. These acquisitions — though strategic — demand sacrifices to balance the books and squad.

Spanish outlet Cadena SER explains that such departures are almost systemic at Real Madrid: “Every time a superstar arrives, someone has to leave. That’s been the norm for years — except last season.” This time, however, the club’s financial and tactical flexibility means that multiple players could be on the chopping block, not just one.

Lucas Vázquez and Luka Modrić, both legends in their own right, are unlikely to generate significant revenue due to their age and dwindling minutes. Therefore, younger, high-value assets such as Rodrygo or Eduardo Camavinga are being examined for potential sales.

Camavinga, in particular, had a frustrating 2024/25 campaign. Injuries, form issues, and inconsistent game time have left his future uncertain. Speaking on El Larguero, journalist Javi Herraez hinted that the Frenchman could be sold if a compelling offer arrives: “Camavinga didn’t have his best season. If the right bid comes in, the club might be tempted.”

Coach Xabi Alonso, who took charge this summer, reportedly still values Rodrygo and wants to support his return to form. However, football at this level is rarely sentimental. If a major club comes knocking with an offer exceeding €90 million, the board may be willing to part ways with the Brazilian.

Interestingly, both Rodrygo and Camavinga were considered untouchables not long ago. The former scored crucial goals in Real Madrid’s Champions League campaigns, while the latter was viewed as the midfield engine of the future. But football moves fast — and no one is truly safe when Florentino Pérez begins another Galáctico overhaul.

There’s also speculation that the decision isn’t purely financial. With Mbappé now anchoring the front line and Bellingham occupying the central attacking spaces, Rodrygo’s role in the team is shrinking. His preferred position on the right wing is now heavily contested, especially with youth products and potential new signings rising through the ranks.

In Camavinga’s case, the emergence of Arda Güler and continued form of Toni Kroos and Valverde could push him further down the pecking order. Unless Alonso can guarantee regular minutes in a preferred role, the 22-year-old might feel it’s time to explore opportunities elsewhere.

What makes this summer different is the sheer volume of transitions expected. Real Madrid are preparing for life beyond Kroos and Modrić, but they are doing so while assembling an all-star lineup with no patience for stagnation. Balancing the old guard, rising youth, and superstar newcomers is a challenge only a few clubs in the world face — and even fewer master.

The Real Madrid hierarchy understands the delicate balancing act. Their aim is to ensure continuity while enhancing the squad’s competitiveness for both the new Club World Cup format and La Liga’s increasingly difficult landscape. That may require painful exits — even of players fans adore.

Rodrygo and Camavinga represent more than just market value. They symbolize a transition era post-Ronaldo, players who bridged the gap between the old and new Galácticos. Letting go of either signals a firm shift in Real Madrid’s long-term vision under Alonso.

Until formal bids arrive, the club maintains its stance: no rush, no pressure. But behind closed doors, the strategy is already being discussed. Offers are expected soon, especially from the Premier League, where both Rodrygo and Camavinga have admirers.

For now, the only certainty is that Real Madrid’s summer rebuild won’t stop at arrivals. A purge is inevitable. And though fans may be stunned by who goes, this is simply the cost of sustaining the Galáctico era 2.0.

All that remains is the timing.