Real Madrid could lose their star forward Karim Benzema this summer after the latter reportedly agreed a move away from the club.
Futballnews takes a look at 9 top strikers that could fit into Karim Benzema’s shoe at Santiago Bernabeu if he leaves this summer or next.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland is the hottest striker right now. In his debut season, he has scored 52 goals for the club. Erling Haaland is on a five-year contract with Manchester City. He has a release clause of £150m which could be activated in 2024.
Real Madrid have not hidden their interest in Erling Haaland with reports emerging the club will dare a move for the player despite Manchester City’s attempt to tie him down to Etihad with lucrative offers.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen is another prolific forward in the market that could fit into the shoes of Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. The Nigeria international is leading 2022/23 Serie A top-scorers chart with 25 goals and has guided Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane is another great striker that could replace Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. Harry Kane rolled back Tottenham’s dismal campaign in the Premier League to score 30 Premier League goals for the club this season.
He is second on Premier League 2022/23 top scorers chart behind Erling Haaland. Kane is Tottenham and England all-time top-scorer.
He has a year remaining in his Tottenham contract and has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has hit his all-time goal tally for Manchester United this season. He has scored 30 goals in all competitions this season.
Rashford will stay at Old Trafford. He is on the negotiation table with the club. A move for the English youngster by Los Blancos this summer is possible. Rashford could lit Real Madrid’s attack in the absence of Benzema.
He has a year remaining in his Manchester United contract.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe, 24, almost sealed a move to Real Madrid in 2022 but chickened out, signing a new contract with PSG at the death.
The World Cup winner has not ruled out a move to Real Madrid. He is one of the most sensational young strikers in Europe. This season, he has scored 28 goals with 5 assists in 33 French Ligue 1 appearance for PSG, leading the charge to clinch the 2022/23 French Ligue 1 golden boot.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo hit the peaks of football career at Real Madrid after joining the club from Manchester United in 2008. He is the club’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked to a return to Europe after a trophyless debut season in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.
Despite a disappointing campaign with Al-Nassr, he has nudged in 14 goals in 19 games for the club. Ronaldo may not make a top choice striker to replace Benzema at Real Madrid but his return will be sensational with the history he has shared with the club.
Lautaro Martinez
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez is another sensational striker this season. Martinez’s goal haul for Inter Milan has powered the club to Coppa Italia trophy and the Champions League final.
He is second on 2022/23 Serie top scorers’ chart with 21 goals in 37 appearances for Inter Milan.
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz has struggled with Chelsea this season but was one of the most promising forwards while he was at Bayer Leverkusen.
He was linked to a move to Real Madrid. Chelsea could also be forced to part ways with the attacker this summer as the Blues plot a summer clearout to begin a new era under Mauricio Pochettino.
Kolo Randal Muani
Kolo Randal Muani is another hot striker in the market this summer. After a brilliant campaign with France national team in the 2022 World Cup, Muani has attracted interest from top clubs in Europe.
This season, Muani has impressed with Eintract Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. He has 15 goals and 11 assists in 32 appearances for the club.
