Lucas Vazquez set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season

Real Madrid is reportedly set to part ways with long-serving veteran Lucas Vazquez when his current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires on June 30th. According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the decision not to offer the 33-year-old Spaniard a new deal comes after Real Madrid reportedly "secured a deal for Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer."

Vazquez's departure will mark the end of a "prolific career" spanning nearly two decades with Los Blancos, where he was a consistent and reliable presence, often described as "part of the furniture" at the club. During his time at Real Madrid, he accumulated a "plethora of trophies," including an impressive five Champions League titles and numerous La Liga championships.

While he has played a "reduced role" in recent seasons, Vazquez stepped in when needed, particularly this season following Dani Carvajal’s long-term injury, although the provided text states he "failed to live up to the mark" in that period.

There is a slight possibility Vazquez could feature for Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup on a short-term agreement if the club is unable to bring Alexander-Arnold in early for the expanded tournament, although Madrid is keen on the English defender's presence.

As for Vazquez's potential next step, Saudi Arabia "has been touted" as a possible destination for the versatile player.

Looking ahead to next season, Real Madrid's right-back position is expected to be filled by the incoming Trent Alexander-Arnold and the returning Dani Carvajal. The club is also planning broader squad adjustments under incoming head coach Xabi Alonso, who is reportedly prioritizing strengthening the left-back position. Current left-back Ferland Mendy has been "highly inconsistent," and his deputy Fran Garcia hasn't "shown promise to play at the highest level."

Alonso is reportedly keen on bringing in Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen, having worked with him previously. Other left-back targets on Real Madrid's shortlist are said to include Alvaro Carreras from Benfica, Theo Hernandez from AC Milan, and Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.

The future of another long-serving Real Madrid player, midfielder Luka Modric, also remains "up in the air," as his contract similarly expires at the end of the season. Lucas Vazquez's impending departure signals a notable change in the Real Madrid squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.