Real Madrid were dealt a blow when legendary midfielder Toni Kroos announced that he would be ending his 10-year stay at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Kroos has decided not to extend his contract to the surprise of many, and will retire from football after the season, and the European Championships ends.
The German has made 46 appearances across all competitions this season, and proved that he is still capable of performing at the highest level.
Kroos was arguably the best player on the pitch as Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich over two legs to reach another Champions League final.
His departure will raise the question over whether Real Madrid need to act in the transfer market to replace him this summer, but there are internal solutions.
Real Madrid already have Toni Kroos replacements
There are several ways in which Real Madrid can replace Kroos. Eduardo Camavinga could settle into a midfield role, having also featured in defence in recent years.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Camavinga, Fede Valverde, and Jude Bellingham remain the likely starters in midfield, if Carlo Ancelotti chooses to stick with the same system this season.
With Endrick and Kylian Mbappe set to join, Ancelotti may be tempted to add an extra attacker to his lineup, with Bellingham dropping into a deeper midfield role.
Arda Guler has also been outstanding since finally gaining fitness, and he is expected to play a big part in midfield next season.
Toni Kroos will be sorely missed at Real Madrid
Luka Modric now looks set to stay, and this will be a massive boost given what is happening elsewhere in the squad.
Kroos and Nacho are now about to leave, and the pair have won six Champions League titles each.
Having that kind of experience in the squad is vital, and Modric staying will provide that in abundance. With two other experienced leaders departing, his presence in the squad will be even more important.
As it stands, Real Madrid still have a good blend of quality, youth and experience to go into next season without a new midfielder, and this could mean that they are serious about pursuing Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz at the end of next season.