Despite winning the European Championship in 2013-14, Real Madrid seems to be undergoing a major transition.

The team is set to unload Sami Khedira and Angel Di Maria and could also be looking to sell striker Karim Benzema. All of these players are of tremendous importance to their club and their absence could upset the balance at the Bernabeau.

Here's a look at how losing each player could impact the dynamics of Real Madrid:

Khedira Running on Borrowed Time

Khedira is probably the first one on his way out, if all reports are correct, and his destination could be Arsenal. He had been a terrific holding midfielder for the club during his tenure, but his place was no longer secure. With Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric and Asier Illarramendi also competing for deep-lying midfield positions, it was inevitable that someone had to go. Khedira is a solid passer, but his play behind the ball is his greatest asset as he is good at recovering possession and setting up play with well-timed short passes. He was injured for most of 2013-14 and never became a crucial part of coach Carlo Ancelotti's midfield, so his departure is far from surprising.

Adios, Di Maria?

Di Maria's is another story altogether. Di Maria did become a major asset for Ancelotti despite being forced to sit on the bench at points in the season to make way for Gareth Bale. Di Maria is used to playing on the wing opposite Cristiano Ronaldo, but the hefty fee the club paid for Bale demanded that the Welshman start on the Ronaldo's opposite flank. Rumors circulated about Di Maria's departure in January, but Ancelotti devised a terrific midfield trio that included the Argentine, Modric and Alonso. The three complimented each other wonderfully as the defensive prowess and brilliant passing of Modric and Alonso allowed Di Maria to roam freely in a more attack-minded position. In many ways, Di Maria was Real Madrid's most versatile and valuable attacking player last season.

But the Argentine seems to be on the block to make room for club president Florentino Perez's desire to make a major splash signing to counter Barcelona's acquisition of Luis Suarez. Perez seemingly has set his eyes on Colombia phenom James Rodriguez, who is three years younger than Di Maria and has a higher ceiling. But Rodriguez is coming off a few terrific weeks and whether or not he can play with the likes of Ronaldo and Bale remains a mystery; Di Maria not only learned how to adapt his game to play with those superstars, but excelled at it. His departure could be a crippling blow to the stability of Madrid's midfield.

Losing Benzema

Benzema's future remains a mystery depending on who you ask. Some people have him as Liverpool's target to replace the departed Luis Suarez, while some believe that he will remain at the front of Madrid's BBC attacking trio. He had his best season with the club last season, scoring 24 goals throughout the season, his third best season with the team statistically. The arrival of Rodriguez could potentially force him out, however, as Ancelotti will have to find space for the Colombian and budding star Isco. The Spaniard could slot into a false nine position, thus taking away the team's ability to carry a target man; Rodriguez could potentially be groomed to fit into that position, even though he slots in better as an attacker behind a poacher. Alvaro Morata is still a part of the team, but he is hardly better than Benzema.

If Benzema remains, he will cause some issues with the midfield, but his departure would mean that Madrid will be without a true striker, thus forcing Ronaldo and Bale to be the main goal sources. This would push the attack to the flanks -- or force both wingers to cut into the middle more -- thus making the attack easier to defend.

Will Madrid be able to retain its Champions League title without any of these players?

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