4 Players Real Madrid should off-load

What a turbulent season it has been for Real Madrid. A roller-coaster of a ride, to say the least. Julen Lopetegui came and left, lasting only four and a half months. Former club player Santiago Solari came in to steady the ship but has been inconsistent at best.

This was to be expected, however, club legend and icon Cristiano Ronaldo left the team. Let's not forget Zinedine Zidane left the helm. How do you replace these two figures, who were so influential to the club's recent three consecutive Champions League titles?

A reportedly $38.7 million (BBC Sport) was spent on Vinicius Jr, but he's far too young to fill such void. His recent performances, however, show glimpses of what promises to be a legendary career. Throughout the squad, young players are emerging fighting for a place in the quad. Young gems such as Marco Lorrente, Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and recent addition Alvaro Odriozola.

Other players have not found it that easy this season. Isco, for example, has not found playing time easy to come by since Solari's arrival. Solari's refusal to use the Spaniard's services have become all too evident. Gareth Bale, who was expected to shine following Ronaldo's departure, has been a shadow of his $85.3 million transfer fee. With Real Madrid supporters patience running thin on the Welshmen.

Football at the end of the day is a business. And the arrival and departures of players are common in today's modern sport. With reports Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic might arrive at the club, it's no surprise some players might be heading out the door. Here I take a look at four players Real Madrid should look to off-load. Some have been loyal servants for the club, while others have found a series of injuries, hampering any chance at a spot in the team.

#1 Marcelo

Marcelo has looked a figure of his former self.

In his prime, Marcelo is one of the greatest left-backs to play the sport. His constant bursts forward, and quickness to transition back and defend are met by few. Marcelo was a key figure last season, in Real Madrid overhaul of three consecutive Champions League titles. This season, however, has seen Marcelo look a shadow of his former self. Marcelo has registered two goals in 11 games, and has yet to register an assist in La Liga.

In the Champions he's feared a little better with a goal and assist in four games. Marcelo has battled hamstring injuries throughout the season, which has left Real Madrid depending on inexperienced 22-year Sergio Reguillon. To be fair to Marcelo, he played at the World Cup in the summer and has been allowed little rest with Real Madrid's congested fixtures.

But Real Madrid is the pinnacle. To be at Real Madrid you need to be consistent in delivering top quality performances. Opposing players have found it easy to exploit the voids left by Marcelo at the back. There have been reports he's been out of shape, and at 30 years of age, it's hard to see him playing the game we gone accustomed to seeing from Marcelo.

#2 Jesus Vallejo

What a struggling season it has been for the young center back. There's no denying Vallejo has the ability and quality to be one of the World's best center backs. But a series of injuries have denied Vallejo of finding any sort of rhythm.

According to transfermarkt, Vallejo has missed a total of 22 games this season due to injury. Although promising, the series of hamstring injuries have made Vallejo unreliable to pick.

His top-quality performances at Eintracht Frankfurt demonstrate a player who's ready to play at the top level. Which explains why Real Madrid decided to retain Vallejo services instead of moving him on. But his series of injuries will only continue, and it seems his time at Madrid has come to an end. At 22, Vallejo is still young with vasts amounts of potential, a move away from Madrid would only benefit both parties.

#3 Isco

Isco has been a shadow of his former self since Santiago Solari's departure. Be it for one reason or another, Solari has just found Isco unplayable. Isco faces the same obstacle James Rodriguez faced, following Zinedine Zidane arrival at the helm. The distrust of the coach. There's no denying Isco quality, but if Solari was to get the job permanently, a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu would do his career a favor.

There's no list of shortages with Manchester City, Juventus and even Barcelona all ready to snap Isco's service once Real Madrid makes him available. Losing someone with the quality of Isco would be catastrophic, but having an agitated figure in the locker room does neither party any favors. Isco currently registers 1 goal and 2 assists in 15 appearances for Real Madrid in LaLiga. With only five appearances coming from the start.

#4 Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale has failed to fill the void left by Ronaldo.

In a recent interview, Marcelo noted Gareth Bale has yet to learn any Spanish. Its safe to say Gareth Bale has not been the leading figure many expected him to be. For the reportedly $85.3 million price tag, Gareth Bale was expected to sooner or later step up and fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo. In 217 appearances for Real Madrid he has found the back of the net 100 times and has assisted on a further 63 occasions in all competitions (transfermarkt).

His trophy overhaul with Real Madrid has been a major success. He has won: 4 FIFA Club World Cup, 4 Champions Leagues, 3 European Supercups and 1 La Liga among others. It's his attitude, and lack of leadership, which have found his time at Real Madrid receive mix emotions.

There's no denying the Welshman talents. In his prime, he has the talents to match the world's very best. A move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, however, is most likely in the books.

Edited by Abhinav Munshi