Which Real Madrid Stars Could Still Force Their Way Back into the 26-27 Plans?
At Real Madrid, being linked with a departure does not always mean the end. In many cases, it becomes a turning point. Players who find themselves on the edge of the project often have one season, sometimes even a few months, to prove they still belong. As the 26–27 season approaches, several members of the current squad fall into that category.
One of the most closely watched situations is Rodrygo. With the arrival of new attacking dynamics and ongoing questions about positional balance, his role has become less defined. He has also been prone to injury. However, Rodrygo has something difficult to replace, composure in big moments, and tactical intelligence across the front line. If he can adapt and stay healthy, whether by becoming more effective centrally or embracing a more disciplined role on the right, he still has a clear path to remain part of Madrid’s long-term plans.
Aurélien Tchouaméni is another player under pressure. This season has brought inconsistency and reports of internal frustration, but his physical presence and defensive instincts are still valuable. The challenge for him is not talent, but clarity. If he can establish himself as a reliable anchor in midfield and cut out the erratic performances, he could quickly reassert himself as a key piece rather than a question mark. The situation around Ferland Mendy is more tactical and fitness-related. As Madrid leans toward more attack-minded fullbacks, his limitations going forward have been highlighted. Yet, his defensive ability remains elite. In a squad that has struggled at times with balance, that skill set should not be overlooked. If the coaching staff prioritizes defensive stability, Mendy could find himself back in favor without needing to change his game drastically.
Eduardo Camavinga represents a different kind of uncertainty. His versatility has made him useful, but it has also prevented him from locking down a single role. For him, the path forward is about definition. If he can claim ownership of a specific position, whether as a deeper midfielder or a more progressive presence, he has the quality to become a long-term starter rather than a rotational option. Then there is Brahim Díaz, who continues to operate on the edge of the starting lineup. His technical ability and creativity are clear, but consistency has been the missing piece. In a squad searching for attacking cohesion, a strong run of performances could quickly elevate his importance.
What ties all of these situations together is that none of these players is lacking in ability. The issue is role, consistency, and trust. At Real Madrid, those things can change quickly. The question is which manager will come and which of these players will he choose to stay and incorporate into his plans. While Jose Mourinho is the front-running candidate, it's currently unknown who he will decide to keep. A few strong performances, a tactical adjustment, or a shift in leadership can completely alter a player’s standing within the squad. For these players, the opportunity remains. They do not need to leave to reset their careers. They need to adapt, respond, and prove they fit into what Real Madrid is trying to build next. If they do, the narrative around them could change just as quickly as it formed.
