da pinnacle： The Frenchman is leaving Santiago Bernabeu after 14 trophy-laden years, and there are are a whole host of top forwards being tipped to fill his boots
da pinup bet： Change is afoot at Real Madrid. The 2022-23 campaign was a disappointing one by Los Blancos' lofty standards, and there will be plenty of ins and outs over the summer as a result.
Karim Benzema's departure has already been confirmed, as Real were ultimately unable to tie him down to a fresh one-year extension. He's following in the footsteps of his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo by heading to Saudi Arabia, where he will reportedly pocket €400 million in earnings over the next two years.
It's a shame to see another world-class player turn their back on European football, but no one can begrudge Benzema's decision to chase a huge payday. After signing from Lyon way back in 2009, the French striker contributed 353 goals to Real's cause, winning five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles along the way. He was also finally able to get his hands on the Ballon d'Or in 2022, and has nothing left to achieve at club level. Benzema has earned the right to sail off into the sunset.
It's the end of an era in Madrid, though, and Carlo Ancelotti must now bring in someone to plug the gap left by a club icon. Espanyol frontman Joselu, who took in a spell at Real at the start of his career, is reportedly close to rejoining Los Blancos on loan, but he will only be a squad player. The Liga giants will need another forward to cover the loss of Benzema's goals. They cannot afford to stand still and fall even further behind arch-rivals Barcelona, who are set to strengthen again themselves.
Madrid are being linked with several big names already, but who would be the best fit? GOAL takes a look below…
(C)GettyImagesVictor Osimhen
Napoli are currently celebrating their first Scudetto in 33 years, and that's in no small part because of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen. The 24-year-old scored 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances to help the Partenopei run away with the title, and looks destined to move onto an even bigger challenge this summer.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are among those to have been credited with an interest in Osimhen, who is expected to fetch a fee in excess of €120m. Real are also reportedly keen on the Napoli star, who became the first African player to ever win the Golden Boot in Serie A after converting a final-day penalty against Sampdoria.
Osimhen is quick, skillful and deceptively strong, with an eye for goal that makes him one of the most deadly forwards on the continent. He has all the necessary qualities to thrive at the Bernabeu and perhaps be even more prolific than Benzema, but it remains to be seen whether Los Blancos will meet Napoli's huge asking price.
AdvertisementGettyHarry Kane
It's now or never for Harry Kane. The 29-year-old only has one year left on his Tottenham contract, and there has been no sign of an extension being agreed as of yet.
In truth, Kane would be mad to commit his future to Spurs after another trophyless season that saw them drop to eighth in the Premier League. The England international still managed to net 30 goals in the top flight despite the team's mediocrity, and there is no doubt he could deliver for any top club in world football.
Kane must make a leap this summer in order to fulfil his long-held silverware ambitions, and he has plenty of options to consider. Real are among those reportedly considering a swoop for Kane, with Ancelotti thought to be a huge admirer of his.
The Spurs talisman is the ideal profile for Real to replace Benzema, but Manchester United appear to have the edge in the battle for his services. Kane has been vocal about his desire to go on and break the Premier League scoring record, and Old Trafford would be a far easier transition for him than the Bernabeu.
Getty ImagesRomelu Lukaku
Real Madrid are also said to be keen on Romelu Lukaku, who has enjoyed a strong finish to his loan spell at Inter. The Belgian missed a large portion of the season due to injury after re-joining the Italian giants from Chelsea, but scored five goals across his final five Serie A appearances and helped them reach the Champions League final.
Lukaku has made no secret of his desire to remain at Inter, but they may not have the financial resources to bring him onto their books permanently. New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino could offer Lukaku a fresh start at Stamford Bridge, but he might be better off heading to Spain.
Lukaku would frighten the life out of La Liga defences with his physical presence and direct style of play, which could help Real close the gap on Barca. He'd also likely have more chances to add to his medal haul at the Bernabeu, with Chelsea facing a rebuilding year following a disastrous 2022-23 campaign.
GettyKylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe really should already be at Real Madrid. For so long it seemed inevitable that he would move to the Bernabeu last summer, but he ended up shocking the world by signing a new deal at Paris Saint-Germain.
The 24-year-old has since added another Ligue 1 title to his collection while winning the competition's top scorer award for the fifth year in a row, but PSG have arguably regressed. They suffered a humiliating last-16 Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich and look further away than ever from ending their long wait for a maiden European crown.
Mbappe is reportedly still on Real's radar for 2024, when his contract is due to expire at PSG. The World Cup winner has insisted he will see out that agreement, but he has a history of performing U-turns, and his comments after the club's final-day loss to Clermont Foot might give Real hope of an earlier deal.
"What do I expect from PSG next season? Nothing, I'm just here to play," he said. "The rest is none of my business."