Real Madrid confirmed the departure of Iker Casillas to FC Porto on Saturday.
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The legendary goalkeeper ended his 16 years of service at the Bernabeu by signing for the Portuguese giants, despite being linked to the Premier League.
The stopper’s exit represents the first major departure of Rafael Benitez’s era at Real, although Casillas is unlikely to be the last big-name player to leave the club this summer.
In this feature, we run down five more stars linked with a departure from Madrid over the coming months.
Isco
Spain international Isco is a fine playmaker, but he has struggled to assert himself within Real’s plethora of riches.
The attacking midfielder may opt to move this summer, with Chelsea appearing particularly keen to secure the former Malaga man’s services. A fee of £20 million has been mooted.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s tetchy relationship with Florentino Perez may well come to a head this summer.
The forward risks losing his preferred spot on the left-hand side to Gareth Bale, and has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu.
Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be keen on the forward, and Ronaldo would certainly bring the star power required to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Karim Benzema
France international Karim Benzema may be another victim of Benitez’s decision to build his team around Bale, and may find himself squeezed out of the starting XI.
The striker has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with both Arsenal and Manchester United understood to be keen on bringing the hitman to England.
Sergio Ramos
While David De Gea may be set to move to Real Madrid from Manchester United, Sergio Ramos has been tipped to head in the opposite direction.
The 29-year-old has reached a contract impasse with the Bernabeu and appears to be agitating for a move to Old Trafford.
He would certainly contribute experience and class to the United back line.
Asier Illarramendi
It remains to be seen whether Illarramendi’s fortunes will improve under Rafael Benitez.
The deep-lying playmaker struggled for game time under Carlo Ancelotti—making only ten league appearances last term—and a host of EPL sides are understood to be admirers.
Liverpool are one potential suitor, with Brendan Rodgers potentially seeing some of Steven Gerrard’s qualities in the former Spain U21 midfielder.