Author – Amrit Santlani
Real Madrid recently parted company with their captain and striker Karim Benzema, who is about to join Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad. Los Blancos are looking for a replacement for what could be a crucial couple of months and are eyeing Tottenham’s Harry Kane, who is also reportedly one of Manchester United’s top targets.
The 29-year-old striker has just one year left on his current contract and is attracting interest from all over Europe. Kane, however, is not the only player Madrid are keeping an eye on, as coach Carlo Ancelotti is also a big fan of Roberto Firmino, who recently left Liverpool and is available as a free agent.
Meanwhile, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Chelsea’s Kai Havertz and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic are also among some of the big names available on the market.
Benzema spent an incredibly successful 14 years in the Spanish capital and left the La Liga giants as the most successful player in terms of trophies won, alongside Marcelo.
Madrid therefore face a major challenge in replacing Benzema’s goals, as they remain great admirers of Kane, who is one of the world’s most prolific scorers.
There were several high-profile departures: Benzema, Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard and Mariano Diaz all left the Santiago Bernabéu.
As far as signings are concerned, Ancelotti’s side are in advanced negotiations with Borussia Dortmund to sign Kane’s fellow countryman Jude Bellingham and hope that the England captain will be the next to be signed.
It was reported that Kane would command a huge price tag of £100 million, although the La Liga giants were reluctant to pay such a high figure.
Spurs missed out on the chance to play in the Champions League next season and will probably struggle to keep hold of their talismanic striker, who turned down offers from Manchester City two seasons ago.
The north London side are likely to introduce their new manager, Ange Postecoglou, and talks between the former Celtic coach and Kane are likely to take place, although the prospect of competing for major titles with Madrid could be tempting.