Real Madrid News
Real Madrid see Manchester City striker as Karim Benzema’s replacement
The race for Erling Haaland in the summer was long and hard-fought. In the end, it came down to a battle between two clubs: Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Both clubs placed similar proposals on the table, and the Norweigan International opted for the Premier League side after much deliberation. However, all is not over between Los Blancos and the young striker.
According to reports from Diario AS, Real Madrid still have Haaland in their plans for the future. They see the Manchester City player as the ideal replacement for Karim Benzema and wish to incorporate him down the line.
Their case is helped by the fact that Haaland has included a release clause in his contract at Etihad. The clause will be activated in the summer of 2024 and will require any interested party to shell out €150 million for his services then.
Given his unstoppable shot and presence of mind in front of goal, Haaland is one is the few players in the world who can recreate Benzema’s legacy at the club. Considering that the Frenchman will be 36 in two years’ time, it would be the ideal time for the club to sign a replacement.
In just 21 league starts for the Bundesliga side last season, the youngster scored 22 goals and recorded seven assists. Further, he found the back of the net thrice in the UEFA Champions League.
He is expected to make his Manchester City debut against West Ham early in August. With him in the ranks, Pep Guardiola’s side will look to defend their domestic title and also seal their first-ever UCL trophy.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
