Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s penalty takers for next season after Karim Benzema’s exit – report
For the past half-a-decade or so, Karim Benzema had been the first-choice undisputed penalty taker at Real Madrid. The Frenchman, more often than not, delivered from the spot for his team – the Panenka against Man City in the 2021/22 UCL semi-final will remain etched in the fans’ memories forever.
But with Benzema leaving the club this summer to sign for Al Ittihad, Real Madrid have not only lost their captain and ace goalscorer but their most reliable bet from the penalty spot.
And, according to a report from AS (h/t Madrid Xtra), with Benzema no longer at the club, the responsibility of taking the penalties is set to fall on Rodrygo Goes and Luka Modric.
Rodrygo often stepped up to the spot when Benzema was not playing last season and even scored from each of his three attempts – against Barcelona, Celtic, and RB Leipzig.
There will be extra responsibility on the 22-year-old attacker from next season onwards to add more goals to his game following Benzema’s departure. And manager Carlo Ancelotti will also count on him to deliver from the penalty spot.
Modric, meanwhile, is a seasoned penalty taker, and has only missed four times from his 26 attempts from the spot for club and country throughout his career.
The 37-year-old legend, who signed a new contract with the club, scored twice from 12 yards last season for Los Blancos, while missing once. More recently, he was on target from the spot for Croatia in a high-profile UEFA Nations League semi-final tie against the Netherlands.
So, even though Benzema’s quality will be missed, in Rodrygo and Modric Real Madrid have reliable options to take over as their penalty takers for the next season.
Even though Real Madrid have strengthened their defensive line significantly over the past two summers, they are still looking for more reinforcements.
Jose Mourinho was already pushing for another centre-back signing this past summer despite signing Ibrahima Konate. But Raul Asencio’s refusal to leave meant that there was no other addition made.
However, heading into 2027, Los Blancos intend to sign another centre-back, given that Antonio Rudiger’s contract expires at the end of the season and is unlikely to be renewed.
Moreover, Eder Militao’s continued fitness issues are also a cause of concern, prompting the Merengues to explore the possibility of bringing in another centre-half.
And, as already reported, Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as an option for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid regularly scouting Quansah
Building on that, journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany reports that Real Madrid have been regularly scouting Quansah this season.
It goes to further underline that the Spanish capital side seem to hold a genuine interest in the 23-year-old England international, who can play both at centre-back and right-back.
Quansah has become a permanent fixture in the defensive line at Leverkusen since his move to the Bundesliga from Liverpool in 2025.
The young defender was also a part of the England national team that finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and has nine caps for the Three Lions.
Stiff competition for Quansah
However, as per the report, Real Madrid are not the only club showing an interest in Quansah.
Indeed, Premier League champions Arsenal and fellow London club Chelsea are also closely monitoring the 23-year-old England international at Leverkusen.
Moreover, Quansah’s boyhood club, Liverpool, are also keeping a close eye on his development. After all, the Reds have a buyback clause worth €70 million for their academy product, which is valid until 15 June 2027.
A promising, young defender with plenty of potential and room for development, Quansah can be an exciting long-term addition for Real Madrid.
However, as per reports, some within the club hierarchy believe that the team could do with more experienced options to bolster the backline. So, it remains to be seen how things progress and whether the interest in Quansah develops into an offer.
