Real Madrid: Kaka and the Stars Who Could Be Leaving Madrid in the Summer

Almost every summer transfer window brings a maelstrom of transfer activity in Madrid with a number of players going either way.

Looking back we can see countless stars leaving the club (Raul and Van Nistelrooy-to name a few) and making way for new, younger players like Ozil and Di Maria.

Let's see the stars who could be leaving Madrid in the summer.

Kaka

Kaka joined Real Madrid in 2009 for a then world record fee of around $60 million, but had a slow start to life in Madrid with injuries stifling his career for almost a year.

Finally injury free, Kaka is, unfortunately, past his prime.

His shooting ability no longer strikes fear into opposition defenders and his touch is no longer so magical.

Despite sometimes fading in and out of the game, Kaka is still a world-class player. A number of clubs have so far shown interest in signing the Brazilian but the most likely destination seems to be Paris Saint-Germain where he would unite with his former manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Raul Albiol

The versatile defender joined Madrid in 2009 and quickly established himself as a vital part of Los Blancos defense.

But with the arrival of Mourinho, Albiol found his playing time limited.

This season the situation got even worse and the Spaniard is yet to start a game. Mourinho's reluctance to give him a starting spot in the cup against a lower-league side tells you enough. 

Sergio Canales

The talented youngster joined Real Madrid in 2010, but same as everyone else on the list—he had little opportunities to prove his worth. 

Famous for his vision and playmaking skills, Canales mainly plays as a midfielder, but can also play as a striker.

The young Spaniard is currently playing on loan for Valencia.

Despite him being sidelined with a torn knee ligament until April 2012, they retained the option of purchasing the youngster for around $15 million.

Nuri Sahin

A surprise inclusion on the list.

German-born Turkish midfielder joined Los Blancos in May 2011 but injuries kept him out of squad for quite some time and Sahin is just begining to find his feet in the Spanish capital.

His playing style is similar to Xabi Alonso's style and with the Spaniard's untouchable position in the starting line-up, Sahin spends a lot of time on the bench.

Mourinho rarely uses the creative defensive midfielders in his tactical approach, ergo Lass Diara is more often used.

Sending him out on loan would be a wise decision.

Hamit Altintop

I can't help but wonder to why Real Madrid even signed this guy. 

Unhappy with his limited time, he refused a contract extension with Bayern Munich and became a free agent in May 2011. In hope of more playing time he joined Real Madrid later that summer, but found it even more tougher to get in the starting line-up. 

The Turkish midfielder has already voiced his discontent with his playing time and is contemplating a move away from the club.

Pedro Leon

Pedro Leon is a solid winger. Nothing more, nothing less. 

And a club like Real Madrid does not need solid players.

The 23-year-old currently plays on loan for Getafe and a permanent move could be a win-win situation for both clubs.

Fernando Gago

Gago is a very dynamic midfielder who covers a lot of ground and has good ball-distribution ability. He is not afraid of the physical side of the game, but can get a bit too rough sometimes.

The problem is he plays as a defensive midfielder—the most crowded position in Real Madrid.

Behind the likes of Khedira, Sahin, Lass Diara and Xabi Alonso in the pecking order, the Argentine was sent out on loan to Roma.

A permanent move would probably suit both parties.

Jose Mourinho

According to The Telegraph Mourinho is set to leave the Bernabeu outfit when the season ends.

Although he still has over two years before his contract expires, Mourinho expressed his desire to move back to an English Premier League club.

Arguably the greatest tactician in the world has won only one cup title with Real Madrid, and failing to bring more trophies to the Spanish capital would give the club president an excuse to fire the arrogant Portuguese.

Finding a new employer certainly won't be hard for the Special One.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading!

Feel free to comment and tell us who you think should leave Madrid in the summer.