Real Madrid shortlist a shocking replacement for Karim Benzema

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 23: Karim Benzema, #9 of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League between Club Real Madrid and Viktoria Plzen at Santiago Bernabeu on October 23, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 23: Karim Benzema, #9 of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League between Club Real Madrid and Viktoria Plzen at Santiago Bernabeu on October 23, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images)

Real Madrid are tired of Karim Benzema’s inconsistencies at the head of their attack, and hence, they may end up going for his replacement this summer.

Real Madrid have had a tumultuous week as they crashed out of the Copa del Rey and practically bid farewell to the league following two successive defeats to Barcelona in their own backyard. Scoring goals over the last two fixtures was clearly a problem for the Whites and all fingers are being pointed towards Karim Benzema who failed to deliver.

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The former Lyon striker started the year with a massive explosion and after delivering consistently and exceptionally for nearly two months, Benzema has once again been the player who has done the dirty week more often than scoring the goals. While his work is clearly appreciable, goal scoring is the main aim and Real Madrid badly need that now.

The likes of Harry Kane, Mauro Icardi and Roberto Firmino have all been linked with a transfer to the Spanish capital, but all signs point towards Florentino Perez signing somebody who will not come at a hefty price. And while Neymar, Hazard and Mbappe have also been linked to the club, they first need a striker then a winger.

As a result, Valencia’s front man Rodrigo Moreno has emerged as a contender to take over from Karim Benzema. The 28-year-old is not short of experience having graduated from Real Madrid’s academy itself. Rodrigo was initially on Julen Lopetegui’s agenda, but Madrid did not make a move for him last summer and ended up going for Mariano.

Should Gareth Bale depart the club, the signing of a winger is imminent and as a result, Eden Hazard could be the player coming in. The Belgium international does not score too many goals but with a poacher in the box that is Rodrigo, the defending European champions may end up benefitting next season if they get their man for 80 million euros.

Do you think Rodrigo is the correct person to fill Karim Benzema’s shoes?