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Soccer

REAL MADRID

Who could replace Karim Benzema at Real Madrid?

Real Madrid will turn their attention to replacing Benzema.

Kieran Quaile
Kieran Quailekquaile90
Tottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
OLI SCARFFAFP

Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti met at Valdebebas on Thursday and decided that two strikers have to be signed this summer if Real Madrid are going to challenge at the top again.

Spain international Joselu is set to join from recently relegated Espanyol, and with the news of Karim Benzema’s departure, Madrid will have to continue their search for another forward.

The move for Joselu is seen as a replacement for the outgoing Mariano, who will leave Los Blancos after a disappointing spell at the club.

Harry Kane

Harry Kane is on Real Madrid’s shortlist of forwards for the summer. The Tottenham man is a proven goalscorer and is in the world-class bracket with Benzema.

A move for Kane could exceed €100m, however, and Spurs will not make talks straightforward for Los Blancos, who will want to do their business as soon as possible.

Kane could also decide to stay in the Premier League as he continues to move closer to Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League record of 260 goals.

Harry Kane celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road.
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Harry Kane celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road.OLI SCARFFAFP

Kai Havertz

Havertz has a contract at Chelsea until 2025 but he caught Florentino Pérez’s eye when the Premier League club took on Real Madrid in the Champions League.

This would be a cheaper option than Kane, and Havertz can play in several roles. With Marco Asensio also set to depart the Bernabéu, Havertz could replace the Spain international, playing wide of the central forward.

The Champions League winner is still only 23 and would be a long-term option for the club. It remains to be seen how big of a role Mauricio Pochettino will want him to have at Stamford Bridge.

Roberto Firmino

Firmino is leaving Liverpool and has been linked with a move to Madrid rivals and LaLiga champions Barcelona.

Firmino would add experience to Ancelotti’s side, can play in the false nine role, and knows Madrid’s Brazilian forwards Vinícius and Rodrygo very well.

This would be a short-term solution and Madrid may want to invest in a player of a younger profile.

Roberto Firmino (L) vies with Southampton's James Ward-Prowse (R) during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool.
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Roberto Firmino (L) vies with Southampton's James Ward-Prowse (R) during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool.ADRIAN DENNISAFP

Joselu to join

Fellow forward Mariano will follow Benzema out the door at the Bernabéu. If Madrid can find the right replacement for Benzema, Joselu is set to play the role of first-choice striker off the bench under Ancelotti.