The five Real Madrid players who could leave in January

Cameron Smith

• 31 Dec 2023 08:00 CST
• 4 min read

Real Madrid have started the 2023-24 season in brilliant fashion and they are leading the way in La Liga as the campaign pauses for the winter break in Spain.

The departure of Karim Benzema this summer was a huge cause for concern, but Carlo Ancelotti has dealt with his absence brilliantly by giving Jude Bellingham a starring role at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The England international has arguably been the best player in world football this season and he will be crucial during the run-in as Los Blancos look to reclaim La Liga and the Champions League title.

While January arrivals could determine whether Real Madrid are able to fight in the latter stages of the Champions League, several players may also seek an exit during the upcoming window.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through five Real Madrid players who could leave in January.

Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos is probably the most likely player to leave Real Madrid mid-season due to the competition for places in midfield.

The Spaniard has barely featured this campaign and is unlikely to displace any of the current options available to Ancelotti.

Aurelien Tchouameni is set to fill in at centre-back during the first few weeks of January, but Ceballos may still leave the club in search of regular minutes.

Fran Garcia

An early season injury to Ferland Mendy gave Fran Garcia a chance in the starting XI, but the Frenchman has been first-choice in recent weeks and Real Madrid are also pursuing a move to re-sign Miguel Gutierrez from Girona.

If he arrives back at the Santiago Bernabeu then Garcia could be loaned out in order to ensure he receives consistent game time.

He may not be offloaded in January, but Garcia is at risk of becoming a disposal player at Real Madrid and a move away may be wise.

Luka Modric

Luka Modric was heavily linked with a move to America during the early weeks of the season, specifically to Inter Miami, and therefore the Croatian could still depart Real Madrid in January.

He has been a more regular starter in recent times, but Modric still isn’t a nailed-on starter and a move to join Lionel Messi in Florida could be an attractive one.

However, a summer exit remains far more likely as Modric will want to help Madrid to glory before leaving.

Nico Paz

Nico Paz is one of Real Madrid’s most talented youngsters and he has made four substitute appearances in La Liga this term.

However, he is still only 19 years old and Arda Guler’s return to full fitness means he is set for a limited role in the second-half of the season. Therefore, a loan move away to a lower Spanish top flight team makes perfect sense.

Real Madrid youngsters often leave the club before returning and Paz could be the next to follow suit.

Alvaro Rodriguez

Alvaro Rodriguez hit the headlines last season when he scored a late equaliser against Atletico Madrid to mark his second ever Real Madrid appearance with a crucial goal.

However, the young Spanish striker is yet to feature in the first-team this campaign and could use a loan move away.

Rodriguez has five goals in 13 games for Real Madrid’s Castilla team this year, but regular first-team football is needed and he won’t get that with Los Blancos.