Real Madrid may have a Champions League team handicap as two exits on the crest horizon

The 'de-spanishisation' of Real Madrid has been a minor talking point in the capital in recent months, with the Whites set to start next season with a record low in terms of the number of Spaniards in the team. It could have a negative impact on the next season.

UEFA regulations for the Champions League team require a minimum of eight players who have spent at least three years of their football education (between 15 and 21) spent in Spain, and a minimum of four brought into the ranks of the club. Currently, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, Fran Garcia, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga all count for this rule. With Kepa Arrizabalaga, Nacho Fernandez and Joselu Mato all out this summer, Dani Ceballos would be the eighth.

However, Ceballos is also considering an exit, and if Alphonso Davies arrives, then Garcia looks to be on the way out as well. Jesus Vallejo returns from a loan at Granada but is expected to leave. AS Diary point out that if Ceballos goes, then Real Madrid He will look to Castilla to field a full 25-man squad for next summer's Champions League.

That could be the goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez, or the midfielders Mario Martin and Nico Paz. Yet the latter two are also considering their futures at the club this summer, with uncertainty surrounding their opportunities next season. They may have to dig deeper into the ranks or perhaps even just use a 24-man squad in Europe. It should be noted that players under 21 who have been trained by the club can play even without registration.

It's a growing problem for Los Blancos though – Carvajal is now 32 and Vazquez 33. While the likes of Endrick Felipe or potential signing of Leny Yoro could eventually count for that rule, their transfer strategy may have to consider more players Spaniards in the world. years to come, at least as rotation options.