10 players who could become future Galacticos for Real Madrid

Real Madrid 3-1 PSG goals Tactical Analysis

Real Madrid are not only the most successful club in Spain but in Europe as well. They have won 33 La Ligas, 19 Copa del Reys and 12 Champions League titles in all. A Champions League final defeat to Liverpool would mean a trophy-less season for the Los Blancos, which is unacceptable due to the lofty standards they have set for themselves.

While they are in the Champions League final again this year and are the favorites to lift the trophy for the 13th time in the club's history, their road to Kiev has led many to believe that their dominance in the competition is coming to an end.

It is just due to their experience in the competition, game management, Cristiano Rolando's goals and an incredible amount of luck that they are in the finals. They haven't won the Copa del Rey since 2014 and their quality has been questioned as they have been unable to break Barcelona's domestic dominance in La Liga.

Therefore, it is no surprise that Real Madrid have been constantly linked to various players in the transfer market. Though they haven't spent heavily in the transfer market in recent seasons, they are not shy when it comes to splashing the cash and it is likely that they will bring back their galactico policy this summer.

This transfer policy was introduced by Florentino Pérez when he signed names like Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Ronaldo and Steven McManaman and it resulted in immediate success with the club winning La Liga in 2001-02 and 2002-03 and their 9th Champions League crown in 2002.

They followed it up with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos and it has brought them immense success.

Considering the present situation many have suggested that they will have to again invest in the transfer market and sign new Galacticos in order to compete with FC Barcelona. With superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric aged 33 and 32 respectively, and Benzema misfiring, it seems like the right time to bring new Galacticos to the Bernabeu.

Here we look at 10 players who could become future Galacticos:

#10 Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)

Napoli v RB Leipzig - UEFA Europa League
Werner admits he sees his future away from Leipzig

The German international burst onto the scene last season when he scored 21 goals for RB Leipzig. Again this season he has scored 21 goals for the German club proving that he is no one season wonder.

His style of play is similar to Jamie Vardy as he uses his pace and energy to put defenders under pressure. He has also got good off the ball movement and makes goods runs behind the defenders. His link-up play is also excellent. It should also be taken into account that he is just 22 years old and he is likely to improve with age.

He has already admitted that he sees his future away from Leipzig. And Marca has already reported that Real Madrid are interested in the German striker. He should be a good replacement for Karim Benzema.

He is contracted to RB Leipzig till 2020 and Madrid are likely to face competition from Liverpool for his signature.

#9 Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

KylianMbappe - cropped
Madrid want Mbappe for £200 million next summer

The 19-year-old has already achieved more than what many professional footballers achieve in their entire career. The youngster has already won the Golden Boy award along with 2 Ligue 1 titles, 1 French Cup and 1 French League Cup. He could also become the 2nd most expensive footballer if PSG activate his £180 million clause in his loan deal.

Many have compared the youngster with former Brazil striker Ronaldo. He has got quick feet, a tremendous amount of pace and good finishing skills with 21 goals despite the fact that he was playing wide out on the right wing for the majority of the campaign.

Also, it is no secret that Mbappe is a huge fan of Real Madrid's talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and reports have revealed that last summer he was close to a move to the Bernabéu. According to reports, the Los Blancos are again ready to make a bid to sign the Monaco youngster for £200 next summer.

There is no doubt that Mbappe would improve any team in the world right now, but considering the fact that he is only 19, Madrid could wait for some more time to sign him.

#8 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

West Ham United v Manchester United - Premier League
Pogba, at the age of 25, is already one of the best players in the world

Be it for good reasons or bad Paul Pogba has always been in the news since his move to Manchester United. But no one can question the Frenchman's ability and potential.

The former Juventus star is just 25 years old and has already established himself as one of the best players in the world. He is a very versatile midfielder and his brand value makes him an attractive option commercially as well.

Though it will be tough for Madrid to sign Pogba, they are a club who can definitely pull off such a deal. If reports are to be believed he has already informed his agent Mino Raiola that he is desperate for a move to the Bernabeu due to his strained relationship with Jose Mourinho.

But Madrid are likely to face competition from PSG who want to make him their marquee signing if they lose Neymar in the summer.

#7 Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Juventus v AC Milan - TIM Cup Final
Dybala can ease the goal-scoring burden on Cristiano Ronaldo

The Argentinian has been a revelation since his move to the Allianz Stadium. The former Palermo forward is also known as La Joya which means the jewel. And his performances for the Turin giants have made him worthy of this title.

If Real do sign him it is likely to ease a bit of the goal-scoring burden on the aging Cristiano Ronaldo and he can add another dimension to the dynamic Madrid attack. At the age of 24, he is the talisman for Juventus and should be a perfect Galactico signing for the Los Blancos.

Juventus are reportedly willing to sell Dybala should an offer of £88 to £105 million come up. Manchester United, Liverpool and PSG have been linked with the forward.

#6 Robert Lewandoski (Bayern Munich)

Real Madrid v Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg
Lewandoski has all the attributes of a modern day top class striker

The Polish international is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the world. He was again the Bundesliga's top scorer this season with 29 goals to his name.

The former Dortmund striker has all the attributes of a top-class striker. He has good physical strength, intelligent off the ball movements, aerial ability and plenty of experience at the top level.

If Madrid sign him, he is more than capable of replacing the misfiring Karim Benzema and should prove to be a good partner in crime for Cristiano Ronaldo as they look to revitalize their forward line next season.

At the age of 29, Lewandoski is at his peak and with the lack of other top class strikers in the transfer market, Madrid could make a move for him. However, according to reports, talks of a potential move have broken down due to the fee Bayern have slapped on him, but it is still early and a lot can happen come August.

#5 Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)

FC Internazionale v US Sassuolo - Serie A
Icardi has a knack for scoring goals in big games

Mauro Icardi has been one of the most consistent strikers in Europe for some time now despite Inter Milan's struggles on the pitch.

Again this season he has scored 28 goals in just 33 appearances for the Nerazzurri, in an ultra tactical and highly defensive league like the Serie A. He also has a knack for scoring in big games and he demonstrated that by scoring a hat-trick against AC Milan in the Milan derby. He also has goals against Juventus, Roma, and Fiorentina.

The former Sampdoria striker is just 25 years old and is yet to reach his peak, meaning he can lead the Madrid frontline in the years to come. Also, the icing on the cake for Madrid fans would be that he is a former Barcelona academy player.

The striker is open to a move away from San Siro, but only if Inter are willing to sell.

#4 Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Chelsea v Huddersfield Town - Premier League
Chelsea could be tempted to sell Hazard

Ever since the Belgian wizard joined the Blues he has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu. It is believed that Madrid wanted him in the summer of 2017 but an ankle injury stopped them in their pursuit.

It is no secret that Hazard is a big fan of Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane and he would love to play under him one day. He has been one of the best players in the Premier League for some time now and he has single-handedly carried Chelsea to a 5th place finish and an FA Cup final.

Florentino Perez is ready to bid big for Chelsea's talisman and Zinedine Zidane has been given the green light. The former Lille winger has just 2 years left on his contract and Chelsea could be tempted to cash in on the Belgian.

The Belgian can provide Isco with healthy competition in the Los Blancos midfield. His trickery and skill are a joy to watch and he would certainly lift the roof off the Bernabeu.

#3 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Liverpool v Brighton and Hove Albion - Premier League
Salah's goals have saved Liverpool many times this season

Mohamed Salah, the name is enough to strike fear in the hearts of the opponents. He has made a quiet journey from a Chelsea reject to record-breaking Liverpool talisman.

It is not only his goals but the timing of them that have been so important. He has a deadly left foot and incredible acceleration, which makes it difficult for defenders to mark him.

Though Liverpool have indicated that they do not intend to sell Salah this summer, they have made such promises in the past as well without fulfilling them.

The Egyptian would a perfect Galactico signing to appease the demanding Real Madrid fans and according to a shock report in Spain, he has already communicated his salary demands to Los Blancos via his agent.

#2 Neymar (PSG)

Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg
Rumors of Neymar's move to Real Madrid have refused to go away

Currently, the most expensive player in the history of football, Neymar joined PSG last summer but could be on the move again. There has been constant speculation that his move to PSG was just a part of a bigger plan of his to move to the Bernabeu, in order to win the Ballon d'Or.

With Cristiano Ronaldo at the twilight of his career, Los Blancos will need someone on the left wing and Neymar is the ideal candidate for that. His biggest asset is his skill and ability to dribble and influence games by making runs from deep.

Though many have stated that Neymar's move away from the Parc des Princes this summer is impossible, the rumors have refused to go away. Earlier, there were reports that stated Neymar was unhappy at PSG and his relationship with Cavani added fuel to the fire.

No one expected Neymar to move away from Barcelona last season which shows that in football anything can happen. Therefore, despite assurances, it should not be surprising if he does move in the summer.

#1 David de Gea (Manchester United)

Manchester United v Watford - Premier League
De Gea has been a match saver for Manchester United for a couple of seasons

Ever since 2015 when the Spanish international was very close to a move to the Bernabeu, a transfer window without De Gea being linked to Real is not really a transfer window. He has been performing season after season for the Red Devils, becoming the first player to win Manchester United's Player of the Year award three times.

Over the years, he has made some breathtaking reflex saves and saved Manchester United on various occasions. In other words, he has been a match-winner for the Red Devils. It is believed that he is frustrated with United's lack of success on the pitch for the last five years.

Zinedine Zidane is said to be a big fan of the former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper and will look to rope him in in the summer. De Gea is extremely consistent, something which has been a problem for Madrid's current keeper, Navas.

Still only 27, de Gea has many years left in him and it seems like the time is ripe for the Spaniard to make a move back to his homeland.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram
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