Karim Benzema’s successor: Real Madrid plan to sign one of these two stars

Karan Tejwani

• 14 Feb 2023 10:50 GMT
• 2 min read

Real Madrid are planning for the post-Karim Benzema era as the French forward enters the final years of his career at the highest level.

The Frenchman has led the line for Real Madrid since 2009 and recent times have seen him rise to even greater prominence, as shown by his performances in their Champions League and La Liga-winning campaign of 2021-22.

That led to him winning the Ballon d’Or for last year, but his recent injury concerns and contract which is due to run out at the end of the season have made Real Madrid look for options elsewhere.

READ: Man Utd 'have started to move' for €82m striker

They are now targeting two names that could succeed Benzema: Tottenham and Brazil forward Richarlison and Juventus and Serbia forward Dusan Vlahovic.

Real Madrid target duo

This comes from ESPN, who say both players are of strong interest to the reigning European champions and that they could make a move for them in the summer transfer window.

Richarlison only moved to Tottenham last summer and has done well in the time he has been given, particularly making an impression at the World Cup with Brazil, where he led the line for them.

READ: Dusan Vlahovic asked agents for Real Madrid transfer on deadline day

A move to Real Madrid would be an appealing option but he won’t come in cheap as Tottenham will want to recoup the fee they paid for him last summer.

As for Vlahovic, interest has been there for him from Europe’s top clubs since last summer and a transfer for him could be possible in the summer given Juventus’ problems.

They could be forced to sell players if they miss out on Champions League football as they sit in mid-table after a points deduction they were given in January.

It was reported earlier this month that Vlahovic tried to facilitate a transfer for himself to Real Madrid as he was frustrated with his situation at Juventus - he has always been an admirer of the Spanish club and would be open to a transfer there.