Vinicius, Rodrygo Goes, Güler… The players that Real Madrid fans no longer want at the club

The atmosphere at Real Madrid is currently charged with a sense of unease and a growing demand for change. Following a resounding defeat against Arsenal last Wednesday, key figures like Vinicius Junior, Arda Güler, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy have found themselves under intense scrutiny from the club’s passionate fanbase. A recent poll has revealed the surprising names of the star players whom fans believe should depart from the Santiago Bernabéu this summer.

The season is far from its conclusion, but in the Spanish capital, the post-mortem appears to have already begun. Amidst fervent discussions surrounding the team’s painful Champions League exit and mounting doubts about the future of manager Carlo Ancelotti, a significant wind of change is sweeping through the Casa Blanca. In this tumultuous environment, certain players have become the targets of the fans’ discontent. As Thierry Henry and Samir Nasri pointed out in the aftermath of Wednesday night’s 2-1 defeat against Arsenal, a comprehensive overhaul is needed at Florentino Pérez’s club.

The depth of the fans’ dissatisfaction is underscored by the results of a poll conducted by the sports daily AS, which garnered over 62,000 responses. A significant majority, 58%, attribute the Champions League debacle to shortcomings in the club’s sporting planning. However, a substantial 24% of respondents hold the players primarily responsible, while 18% point the finger at Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff. The message from the fanbase is unequivocal: significant changes are imperative.

The aforementioned poll, which reflects the sentiments of a large segment of the Casa Blanca faithful, indicates that several prominent names within the Real Madrid dressing room are deemed surplus to requirements. While the team’s defensive frailties have been a major concern this season, the midfield bears the brunt of the fans’ criticism, with approximately 25% of the votes targeting players in that area. The full-back positions, both right (24%) and left (21%), are also areas where fans desire significant changes. Additionally, the survey reveals that supporters believe adjustments are needed in central defense (14%) and attack (9%).

However, the most striking aspect of the poll is the identity of the players whom the fans want to see leave the club. Unsurprisingly, Jesús Vallejo, who has played a mere 10 minutes this season, tops the list with 15% of the votes. He is followed by Lucas Vázquez and David Alaba, who each received 14% of the votes. Ferland Mendy, often perceived as being too injury-prone, occupies the fourth position with 10%. But in a surprising turn of events, Vinicius Junior, one of the team’s undisputed stars, finds himself on this list, garnering 9% of the votes.

This discontent towards Vinicius reflects a broader frustration among the fans, who accuse the Brazilian winger of being excessively individualistic on the pitch. This season, particularly in the wake of the controversy surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Junior’s behavior has not helped his cause.

The list of players deemed expendable by the fans also includes other notable names such as Luka Modric (7%), Aurélien Tchouaméni (5%), Fran García (5%), Rodrygo Goes (4%), and Arda Güler (3%). For some supporters, these players have become symbols of a team that is struggling to replicate its past glories. These figures paint a stark picture of the disillusionment felt by the Madrid faithful. It is clear that a significant number of departures are expected this summer. However, it is important to remember that the final decisions rest with the club’s management, and while the fans’ opinions carry weight, they do not dictate the club’s transfer strategy.

Carlo Ancelotti, whose future at the club remains uncertain, faces the daunting task of managing this complex situation while attempting to salvage what remains of the season. A victory in the Copa del Rey or La Liga could provide a glimmer of hope amidst this tense climate, but the road ahead appears fraught with obstacles.

One thing is certain: events at Real Madrid will accelerate rapidly, either before or after the 2025 Club World Cup, which is set to be held in the USA. Florentino Pérez and his staff are facing a busy summer.