Real Madrid defender could be included in deal to sign Harry Kane in the summer
Real Madrid are dealing with a crunch blow ahead of the summer transfer window, as Karim Benzema is reportedly expected to leave the club to join Al-Ittihad for an offer worth over €200 million across two years.
Real Madrid are dealing with a crunch blow ahead of the summer transfer window, as Karim Benzema is reportedly expected to leave the club to join Al-Ittihad for an offer worth over €200 million across two years.
The Frenchman was a key cog for Madrid across the last two seasons, winning five trophies, and also bagging the Ballon d’Or. He would leave behind a near-impossible legacy to replace, but los blancos have not really had problems replacing key players in the past.
One of the names that has come up as a potential replacement is Tottenham Hotspurs’ Harry Kane. One of the most prolific strikers of this generation, the Englishman is coming off a spectacular 30-goal Premier League season, and could be on his way out this summer.
Signing him will not be easy, though, as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is looking to get around €100-120 million for him from a non-Premier League side. Madrid could use a bargaining chip, though, in the form of Ferland Mendy.
According to SER Deportivos, Madrid’s main goal is Kane, and the club is considering including Mendy in the deal as part of a player-plus-cash trade.
Madrid are the only party interested in Kane, though, especially since the Englishman is touted to leave Tottenham this summer. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also chasing his signature.
Kane finishes his contract next summer, which puts Tottenham at a risk of losing him on a free transfer. That has not, however, stopped them from slapping a huge price tag on him, as he would be very difficult to replace.
While Madrid would not have any problem coughing up a €100 million sum for Kane, it would impact their plan with Erling Haaland.
The record-Champions League winners were hoping to sign one of Haaland or Kylian Mbappe next summer to take over the reins from Benzema, but the Frenchman’s potential departure has evidently changed things.
Roberto Firmino is also an option for Madrid as the club does not want to ‘spend a lot’ to replace Benzema as per one report, and the Brazilian would arrive on a free transfer.
Real Madrid are also advancing their pursuit to sign Joselu from Espanyol, who were officially relegated last weekend. The Spaniard would act as a backup, essentially taking over the role Mariano Diaz was expected to fill.