Five alternatives for Real Madrid to sign as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo

#5 Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski (in red) against Real Madrid in the Champions League

It is hardly any secret that Robert Lewandowski has talked about his dream move to the triple Champions League winners. He has been linked to Real Madrid several times since he became a Bundesliga sensation seven years back.

He has been one of the best centre-forwards in the world over the past six years. With 180 Bundesliga goals to his name and a further 45 in the Champions League, he is a proven goal- scorer, capable of filling the Ronaldo-sized boots.

A true penalty area predator who is strong and powerful, Lewandowski is also elegant and capable of scoring exquisite goals by himself. At 29 years in age, Lewandowski would be a solid signing for the Los Blancos and someone guaranteed to get goals.

But in his age, he is hardly a player anyone can build a future team around. His off-field marketing appeal will also be a problem for Real as he would be replacing a commercial giant as big as Ronaldo.

The only reason for Real to sign Lewandowski as a replacement for Ronaldo will be his guaranteed on-field performances. Real will know better than anyone – he netted four times against them in the 2013 Champions League semi-finals.