As the football season draws to a close, Real Madrid's roster undergoes a significant shift. The team officially announced the exits of several key players, including Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, Mariano Diaz, and finally confirming the departure of Karim Benzema.
Marco Asensio's departure, a decade in the making, kicked off the series of announcements. The 27-year-old, despite having an extra season to secure his position in the team under Carlo Ancelotti, failed to become a regular starter. His contract, expiring in June, marks the end of his near-decade-long association with the team.
Joining Real Madrid in 2014, Asensio was a youthful talent from Mallorca who immediately caught the attention of Florentino Perez. Despite being more than a mere substitute, many believe Asensio has not yet attained his maximum potential.
Having been part of a team that won 17 trophies, including three Champions League and La Liga titles each, Asensio's time with the team has been noteworthy. However, his limited starts due to competition from Rodrygo Goes has led him to seek a club where he can regularly play full matches.
While Premier League's Aston Villa was assumed to be his next destination, it appears that Ligue 1's Paris Saint-Germain could potentially make a more enticing offer. The club's chance of winning titles is undeniably more substantial than that of Aston Villa.
In a statement, the club expressed its gratitude towards Asensio, highlighting his contributions to one of their most successful eras.
In a parallel development, Real Madrid confirmed the departure of Eden Hazard. Joining the team in 2019, Hazard was expected to fill the gaping hole left by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure. However, persistent injuries and subpar performance resulted in the Belgian star's exit.
His stint with Real Madrid was plagued with injuries, preventing him from making a significant impact on the team's performance. While Hazard has been open about his ambition to become a true Madridista, the club seems to have lost patience.
Along with Asensio and Hazard, Mariano Diaz is also set to leave the team once his contract ends this month. Having risen through the club's youth ranks, Diaz's journey with Real Madrid has been inconsistent, opening the door for a fresh start with another La Liga club.
Ending weeks of speculation, Real Madrid finally announced Karim Benzema's exit. Despite his affectionate "Hala Madrid!" cry during the MARCA Leyenda awards, the club released an official statement confirming his departure after a 14-year tenure. The team will organize a farewell event for the striker, honoring his contributions, including a record 25 titles, on Tuesday, June 6, with club president Florentino Pérez in attendance.
