Real Madrid used the season’s final weekend to shape its future, signaling a major reset that will ripple through the squad in the months ahead. In a whirlwind 24 hours, four forwards exited the club, each leaving with a clear message: change is coming. The departures touched Benzema, Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Hazard, transforming the club’s attacking options as it looks toward a new era under Carlo Ancelotti.
With the exits, Real Madrid finds itself leaning on a smaller pool of proven attackers for the next campaign. Rodrygo remains a guaranteed starter, and Vinicius Jr. is growing into a leading role. The current state of the forward line means the club must act decisively in the transfer market to replenish the goal threat and preserve its status among Europe’s elite.
Benzema accepts Saudi Arabia’s offer and leaves Real Madrid
Brahim Diaz is set for a return after three seasons on loan at Milan, with a possible path back to Madrid on the horizon. Joselu Mato could serve as a dependable reserve striker if a deal with Espanyol proves straightforward. At the same time, attention turns to potential headline signings, with Harry Kane resurfacing as a prime target and Kai Havertz presenting another high-caliber option to consider.
These developments followed the rapid-fire announcements that reshaped the forward landscape ahead of Madrid’s final league match against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Marco Asensio
The first official confirmation confirmed Marco Asensio’s exit, celebrated by the player through a social media post. The club had long hoped to secure a renewal after seven years, beginning with his arrival from Mallorca as a rising star in Spanish football.
Real Madrid announce Marco Asensio is leaving free of charge
Asensio grew tired of restricted minutes and the challenge of breaking through a line of established forwards. He made the call to explore new horizons, with a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon where the departure of Messi and the possible opening for Neymar could redefine their strikes for the coming season.
Mariano Diaz
A few hours later, Real Madrid decided to seal Mariano Diaz’s fate. The forward, who has shown flashes but rarely found a consistent role, tallied limited appearances and minutes across the last several seasons. The numbers reflected a difficult fit within Madrid’s forward-led strategy, and the club looked to cut ties and refresh the squad’s depth.
Mariano Diaz leaves Real Madrid
Madrid had long sought to move the player on, recognizing that his contribution had dwindled while his contract remained a barrier. Discussions around renewal were never pursued, as the club prioritized a leaner, more explosive forward line that could sustain Madrid’s ambitions in domestic and European competition.
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard’s era in Madrid ends with a sense of unfulfilled potential. The record signing, once lauded for brilliance, never managed to replicate his peak form in Spain, burdened by injuries and inconsistent production. The decision to part ways reflects a practical move to reset the payroll and allow both parties to pursue fresh opportunities elsewhere.
Hazard will leave Real Madrid on June 30
Despite an additional year on his contract, Madrid and Hazard agreed to an early termination that would waive a portion of his remaining salary. It is a pragmatic solution aimed at closing a difficult chapter while enabling the club to allocate resources in the pursuit of a more dynamic, youthful attack.
Karim Benzema
The season’s defining moment came with Karim Benzema’s departure, a decision accelerated by a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia that had been circulating since February. Although his Ballon d’Or triumph earlier in the year underscored his enduring class, Benzema chose a new challenge over a continuation with Madrid.
Benzema’s exit alters the club’s plan to rely on proven goal-getters and reshapes the pursuit of a new top-tier striker for the following season. The club’s intent to return to their traditional front-line trajectory remains, with Kylian Mbappé’s potential acquisition once again on the radar and Kane emerging as a leading option in the current market cycle.