Real Madrid are already planning for the future without Karim Benzema. The Frenchman recently won the Ballon D’ Or but he is now 35 years old. He may have one or two good years of top football left in him. Thus, Los Blancos are preparing for life after Benzema.
According to the Spanish outlet Fichajes, they have identified three players for the job. The list includes Erling Haaland, Brazilian wunderkind Endrick, and Rafael Leao. However, replacing him won’t be an easy task. Just last season he scored 44 goals and further provided 15 assists in all competitions.
Not only this, Real Madrid heavily relied upon him to bail them out of tough situations. He is also an integral player when it comes to their build-up play as well. Overall, the Frenchman is one of the most complete strikers in modern-day football. Also, it is not every day that a player can score 44 goals in one season.
Although this season he has scored 13 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions. He is well on his way to scoring 20 goals, which is considered a good benchmark for strikers. Thus Los Blancos don’t have much time to replace him. Next season he will be 36, and although he is very fit his form might not last for long.
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Will Real Madrid be able to sign these targets?
Out of the three players mentioned above, Erling Haaland seems to be the obvious choice. The Norwegian has taken the Premier League by storm. He has effortlessly carried his Bundesliga form to Manchester City. He is currently the top scorer in the Premier League with 21 goals.
However, bringing him to Santiago Bernabeu will be a tough task. Just last summer he joined Pep Guardiola’s side for €60 million. Manchester City activated his release clause to sign him. They will demand a huge fee for him as well. It is also not clear whether Haaland wants to leave just after one season.
While Rafael Leao is not a like-for-like replacement. The Portuguese international is very talented but he has thrived as a left winger rather than a striker. Just last season he helped AC Milan win the Serie A after 11 years. Also, he is will be an expensive signing. However, it will be easier for Real Madrid to sign him compared to Haaland.
As for Endrick, he is already at Real Madrid. Los Blancos decided to pay €60 million to sign him. However, he is only 16 years old and he is not expected to replace Benzema immediately.
Some forgotten targets to replace Benzema?
Just this summer, Kylian Mbappe looked all set to sign for Real Madrid. However, the PSG star made a U-turn and signed a new contract with the Parisians. Despite his contract renewal, he is still linked with a move to Bernabeu. However, it seems unlikely he will be wearing the famous white shirt.
Mbappe’s stock has further grown after the world cup in Qatar. Also, currently, there is a possibility of a recession in the world economy. This will make it more difficult for Los Blancos to collect the funds to sign Mbappe. While PSG are also very determined to keep him in Ligue 1 as well.
Another option for Real Madrid could be Duscan Vlahovic. The Serbian is one of the most talented young strikers in modern-day football. He has been scoring for fun in Serie A with Florentina and Juventus. Not only this he is just 22 years old and his best days are yet to come.
Also, this is a very good chance to sign him from Juventus. The Bianconeri are going through severe financial crises. They are under investigation by Italian authorities and UEFA over false accounting. While many believe Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive tactics have constrained Vlahovic’s goal-scoring exploits at Allianz Stadium.
