Karim Benzema has gone cold in front of goal for Real Madrid. That could end up costing Borussia Dortmund their talented No. 9.
Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo took his talents to Juventus, Real Madrid have been looking for a top-notch goal scorer. It’s safe to say those efforts will continue this summer. Karim Benzema’s declining play is going to push Los Blancos back into the transfer market for a world-class No. 9.
That’s bad news for officials at Borussia Dortmund. If you’re inclined to believe sources at Marca, Real Madrid are primed to turn their transfer attention towards Erling Braut Haaland this summer. The Bundesliga giants certainly won’t want to let their new boy go, but it’s going to be hard for them to keep Real Madrid at bay if they are serious about acquiring him.
In fairness, Real Madrid would prefer to pry Kylian Mbappe away from PSG. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that the French giants are in any mood to make a deal this summer. As such, Los Blancos will be forced to turn their attention on lesser targets.
That doesn’t mean that Haaland couldn’t blossom into a star under the watchful eye of Zinedine Zidane. He’s been nothing short of magnificent this season for Dortmund. Scoring nine goals in just six Bundesliga appearances is impressive. Haaland’s doubled down on that impressive feat by scoring a pair of Champions League goals in one appearance as well.
His lack of an extended track record does make him a risky transfer for Real Madrid though. He’s got the talent to thrive in La Liga, but plenty of talented players have crumbled under the pressure of a big money move to the Spanish capital. Perhaps Haaland’s youth will provide him a healthy dose of naivety. It could also allow him to be swallowed up by the pressure of leading the line at one of the most prestigious clubs in the world.
Don’t look for Real Madrid to be concerned about the latter. They have the financial power to purchase a player of Haaland’s caliber without being overly concerned about the possibility of him flaming out. If he fails to produce under the bright lights of the club’s starting XI, he’ll simply be tossed aside. The club won’t hesitate to take a moderate loss on a young player with world-class potential.
Dortmund fans know they’ll need to brace for a host of bids for Haaland’s services this summer. If Real Madrid do come calling, they’re in real trouble. That’s not a club that will be denied when it comes to acquiring the No. 9 they truly covet. Expect to read plenty of more stories linking Haaland to a big money move to Spain this summer.