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Who will be the next Real Madrid Galactico?
As Real Madrid gradually shift their transfer policy towards recruiting young talent such as Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, the days of Los Blancos rushing to buy the biggest stars may appear to be over. However, the acquisition of Eden Hazard last summer for over £90m shows that that Real’s heavy spending aren’t behind them quite yet. Despite the financial impact of the Coronavirus on most clubs, it is believed Zinedine Zidane could have a budget of £300m available to spend. So who could potentially join Real Madrid during the next transfer window? Who will be the next Real Madrid Galactico?
Kylian Mbappé
It is no secret that Kylian Mbappé is wanted desperately by Real Madrid and for good reason. When Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo eventually retire, Mbappé is widely considered to inherit the title of ‘best player in the world’. Many analysts have already put his name on the Ballon d’Or in the next few seasons.
Mbappé is known to be a Real Madrid fan, making Madrid a likely destination for him at some point. There is no doubt that the first teenager to score more than once in a World Cup tournament since Michael Owen will one day be a Real Madrid Galactico. However, owing to the extortionate transfer fee that he would inevitably cost, it is likely that Kylian Mbappé won’t join Real Madrid until 2021 at the earliest.
When it comes to Mbappé, Real Madrid’s strategy is clear. They are planning to wait until 2021 before moving to sign him. Madrid aren’t going to rush the deal and are happy to show patience to get their man. It’s unlikely that the 21-year old will sign a new contract with Paris Saint-German, his current deal expires in 2022, so Los Blancos will be able to acquire the France international for a lower price then.
Sadio Mane
Liverpool striker Sadio Mane could leave the Premier League this summer with Real Madrid rumoured to be his destination. Real want to reinforce their squad and Sadio Mané could be their top target in 2020. Real Madrid have allegedly already contacted Mané’s agent and a transfer seems to be increasingly likely. With Timo Werner available, Liverpool are willing to let the 28-year old go if the right price is paid.
France Football claim that the Senegalese forward agreed terms with Real Madrid before Zinedine Zidane’s departure in 2018 but the deal didn’t materialise when Zidane left. Now that the Frenchman is back at the helm, nothing is stopping Mane’s transfer. If the season resumes and Liverpool win the title, Mane will have won everything with The Reds and the striker may want a new challenge. Will Sadio Mane be the first Real Madrid Galactico announced this summer?
Erling Haaland
Borussia Dortmund player Erling Haaland is one of the names on Real Madrid’s wish list. Alf Ingve Berntsen, former coach of FC Byrne, gave an interview to ‘Bernabéu Digital’, in which he stated that he Haaland is ready to play at the Bernabeu. The 19-year old has become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe following an incredible start to his career at Dortmund and Real Madrid are, of course, an interested party.
However, the Borussia Dortmund star insisted he was remaining focused despite speculation that he is wanted by Los Blancos. The Norway international was still playing for Salzburg until joining the Bundesliga side in January. Haaland didn’t need a transition period, scoring 12 goals in 11 games for Dortmund this season. Borussia Dortmund agreed to insert a modest release clause of €60m into Haaland’s contract in order to seal his signature during the January window, which makes him even more attractive to European top clubs.
Neymar
Last summer, Real Madrid were ready to make an opening bid of £100m for Neymar but the Brazil international stayed put in Paris. Neymar wants to force his way out of the Ligue 1 club after an unhappy two years at the Parc des Princes, although his preferred destination is a return to Barcelona to link up with his friend Lionel Messi again.
However, Neymar’s valuation might still be too high for either club with PSG breaking the world record to sign Neymar for £198million in 2017. The Brazilian superstar has been linked with Real Madrid, though, and could become a Real Madrid Galactico after indicating that he wants to leave Paris.
It may prove to an impossible task due to the 28-year old preferring a return to Barcelona over their Primera Division rivals. Barça have been actively trying to raise funds through player sales and reducing their wage bill and will likely make another attempt this summer to bring back their former star player. If they fail though, don’t rule out Real.
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