Florentino Pérez is still looking for his Di Stéfano
Bernabéu signed Di Stéfano, there's no need to say more. De Carlos made his statement with Cunningham, which turned out badly. Mendoza brought in Prosinecki, a move which never really took off. Lorenzo changed things around and produced two consecutive teams who were European champions, but without a leading figure, instead being two successive groups, with some common elements, notably Redondo and Raúl. Florentino Pérez in his first period brought in four galácticos, who didn't fit together. On his return, Cristiano had already been signed, the forgotten legacy of Calderón. Florentino tried to water down that signing by bringing in Kaká and Benzema, but with the passing of the years it's clear there's no comparison.
Florentino Pérez signs Bale
He then tried with Neymar and with Bale. Neymar went to Barcelona, where it's still not clear if he's the best thing since sliced bread or not. Bale came to Madrid, for an almighty sum, and after four years he's not set the world on fire. On his arrival, the slogan BBC was slapped on the front line, which in reality is just Cristiano Ronaldo plus the two alongside him. I know these aren't the easiest days to talk up Cristiano, who's now 32, but still neither of the two 'B's have taken his place. And, out of the two, the one who's been more convincing (not by much, let's not go crazy) is Benzema, not Bale. The Welshman has struggled with injuries. And hasn't earned his place. And he's complacent.
Mbappé for Real Madrid
Now Mbappé is on the scene. He's only 18, but he's already doing big things at the highest level. He's not a blind wager. Of course, if he's to come to Madrid he'll need to feel he's got a chance of playing regularly from the start. And that can only happen if one of the BBC is sacrificed. Which one? Bale is the least significant of the three. Mbappé won't ever be Di Stéfano, but, looking at his age and ability, he appears to be able to give Madrid far more than Kaká, Benzema or Bale have. If there are offers for the Welshman, from PSG or England, it would be good to take advantage of them and make space for Mbappé. It would be different if Cristiano was really going to leave. But I don't believe he will.
