This Saturday, while the Spanish press announced with certainty that Karim Benzema was still going for a year, Real Madrid announced the departure of the Frenchman. “Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club. Real Madrid want to show their gratitude and all their affection to someone who is already one of our greatest legends (…) Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behavior and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future,” read the club statement. As we revealed to you exclusively, KB9 had already agreed to Al Ittihad for several days and the announcement of his departure after 14 years at the club was only a matter of time. A club legend, Benzema was above all a world-class striker, holder of the Ballon d’Or, and he will be greatly missed by his team.
Two strikers in the squad
Because yes, Real Madrid will have to quickly look into the transfer window. Offensively, the workforce is now completely decimated. This week, the Merengues also announced that they were parting ways with Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz and even Eden Hazard. The Belgian, who still had a season to honor in his contract, has, by mutual agreement, decided to leave the club. A minimal loss when you know his performance since his arrival at Real Madrid in 2019 and his current level. He has only played 10 games this season (1 goal, 2 assists) in all competitions and will be considered the club’s biggest failure in recent years. But now, the fact remains that with the departure of 4 attackers, Real Madrid therefore only has… 2 players in this offensive sector: Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. We can add the young Alvaro who should be integrated into the pro group next season. Too little for a football giant.
During the summer transfer window, Real Madrid will have to recruit at least 5 attacking players and above all take a confirmed number 9. President Florentino Perez, who would no doubt have liked to keep Benzema for another year, to allow him to manage the transition smoothly, will have to have ideas. Because Real Madrid cannot have such a limited number in attack as they aim for the final title in La Liga, the Champions League and the King’s Cup every year. To replace Mariano Diaz in the role of understudy, Real Madrid should first offer Joselu. The 33-year-old striker, who spent two seasons at Real Madrid Castilla when he was at the start of his career, should be an interesting addition for next season. On the side of Espanyol Barcelona which was relegated this year, Joselu still scored 16 goals in 34 matches (3rd top scorer in the championship). Something to be useful next season, but it’s obviously too light. Real Madrid will have to sign a world-class striker.
Already several tracks
Will it be Kylian Mbappe? In Real Madrid’s initial plan, Mbappé was to come next season when KB9 leaves the club. But plans have changed for the Madrid club which did not want to splurge this summer… Mbappé has repeated it in recent days, he has no intention of leaving PSG this summer and will continue his Parisian adventure until at the end of his contract in June 2024… But plans may have changed for him with the possibility of being Real’s number one asset from next season. Above all, he could bring in a nice sum in Paris this summer while he leaves for free next year. It is therefore a possibility to study for Real Madrid just like the one leading to Harry Kane. The Prince of Tottenham, who has had impressive seasons in the Premier League for 6 years now, is also announced to be leaving. At 29, the Englishman knows it’s now or never to go for a new challenge to finally fill his sadly empty trophy cabinet.
His profile fits perfectly to succeed Karim Benzema. But Tottenham will not sell him off and it will therefore be necessary to align themselves with the offers that the London club will receive for their player. In recent days, the Spanish press has also mentioned the name of Kai Havertz. The German international from Chelsea also has the profile of number 9 which picks up a lot and which could therefore be interesting. But not sure he has the shoulders to assume an indisputable starting role in a club like Real Madrid. The name of Roberto Firmino, who will leave free from Liverpool, is also advanced to occupy, like Joselu, a supersub role. Real Madrid will also have to vary the profiles to blow Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, the club’s only two wingers. And the Madrid management will have to rack their brains to come up with sportingly interesting ideas without breaking the bank. Recently, the names of Serge Gnabry and especially Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have been mentioned. But the Georgian from Naples is obviously very expensive. Real Madrid is therefore coming to a turning point and will have to manage its transfer window perfectly so as not to deconstruct everything that has been built over the last decade. And the fans, who have been waiting for recruits for several years now, will be uncompromising.
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