With the arrival of Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti and Florentino Perez have made their first big-name signing of the summer.
However, reports over recent months have suggested that they were looking at adding a striker to their roster, even if Karim Benzema stayed at the club. With his departure to Saudi Arabia confirmed, the need to add at least one forward is only intensified.
Roberto Firmino and Joselu have both been mentioned as affordable options given the outlay of around £100 million that Bellingham might ultimately cost, but Tottenham’s Harry Kane is rumoured as a more expensive option.
The England forward is believed to prefer a move to Manchester United either this or next summer, when his contract would expire, but perhaps he might be tempted to move to what is still the biggest club in the world, where he would be almost certain to finally bag some trophies.
There are other suggestions for transfers, too, with Dani Carvajal potentially to be replaced by one of Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard, or perhaps Manchester City’s Joao Carvalho.
With Eden Hazard’s exit confirmed, another forward might be needed out wide, but Kane would doubtless lead the line.
We look at a potential starting line-up for Real.
Potential Real Madrid XI for 2023/24
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defence: Benjamin Pavard, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba
Midfield: Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga
Forwards: Vinicius Jr., Harry Kane, Rodrygo