Real Madrid Shortlist 3 Targets In Their Hunt For Ronaldo’s Replacement

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates winning the FIFA Club World Cup Final with the trophy.

Reuters / Kim Kyung-Hoon

Real Madrid have begun preparing for the possibility of life without Cristiano Ronaldo. The club has started the nearly impossible task of finding a replacement for the Portuguese international, and have already earmarked three players as potential targets (via calciomercato.com).

Juventus striker Paulo Dybala is said to be one of the three on Real’s radar at the moment. The Argentine is also wanted at Barcelona, as the Catalan giants believe he is the ideal replacement for their own Argentine genius, Lionel Messi.

However, reports suggest that Los Blancos are more keen on signing Dybala than their fiercest rivals, and the young striker would certainly bring an added flavor to an already delicious looking Real Madrid squad.

It was only this week that the 24-year-old’s very own teammate Dani Alves – a former Barcelona player himself – revealed to the press that he had urged Dybala to quit the Serie A champions some time in the future, as it would “develop him further” and make him a better player.

Juventus' Paulo Dybala celebrates after scoring first goal.

REUTERS/Giorgio Perottino

However, the striker has just signed a new contract with the Old Lady that will keep him at the club till at least 2022, and this could be a stumbling block in terms of transfer fees demanded. If Ronaldo is sold though, it could provide the funds necessary to capture Dybala.

Another player who could benefit from Real’s sale of Ronaldo is Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe. The 18-year-old has been a revelation for Monaco, and became a crucial player to his side last season.

Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their first goal.

Reuters / Jean-Pierre Amet

Many clubs have shown a serious interest in snapping up the hotshot, but a majority of potential suitors have been put off by Monaco’s insane asking price. The Frenchman will only be allowed to leave the Ligue 1 giants for a fee in the region of £100 million, and it could prove to be too much money spent on a teenager.

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their first goal.

Reuters / Stefan Wermuth

Robert Lewandowski has also been linked with Real on several occasions, and could be an option, but signing him would mean Karim Benzema would have to make way – a scenario that is unlikely, as the Frenchman is one of Zinedine Zidane’s favourites.

Ronaldo recently sent shockwaves around the football world, when he threatened to leave Real Madrid after he was accused of defrauding the tax authorities of £12.8 million. Manchester United, PSG, and several clubs in the Chinese Super League are circling around him, ready to snap him up if he decides to leave.

 



Written by Reyhan Ashley Nath  

Manchester United fan, Wayne Rooney is his role model. Passionate writer who has written for several sites in the past. He’s also an aspiring pianist and creates background music for BlameFootball’s Youtube channel.

 

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