Real Madrid was dormant this past transfer window but this summer could make up for it all. With the number nine role lacking the depth it once did, the Argentinian, Mauro Icadri, may be on his way to fill that void.
Real Madrid was lackluster in the January transfer window of 2018. Florentino Perez did not send any players on their way and more importantly, did not bring anyone in. Staying focused on the role of striker, last summer Perez had let go of Alvaro Morata and Mariano Diaz to Chelsea and Olympique Lyonnais respectively.
With no reinforcements and a failed attempt at purchasing Kylian Mbappe, Los Blancos were left with just one option, Karim Benzema.
Let’s be real, Benzema has been sub-par this season.
Goals have been lacking for Real Madrid which has put them in quite a sore spot this season, sitting fourth in La Liga and out of the Copa Del Rey.
The notion of Icardi heading to Madrid picked up some steam by means of agent Federico Pastorello. Pastorello may not be the most prolific agent but to put things in perspective he is the agent of Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
In an interview with Tuttosport (via Calciomercatio), Pastorello believes that the captain of Inter Milan will be on his way out. Pastorello though noted that the Argentinian most likely won’t come cheap.
"“The most expensive transfer of the summer will involve Icardi.” -Federico Pastorello on the move of Mauro Icardi"
Federico’s word does carry some weight but remember this is not the first time that Icardi has been linked to Madrid and it is yet to happen. For these reasons, this does increase the chances of the striker making his way over. In addition, Real Madrid is rumored to be pulling off an onslaught of several players this summer which does not include Icardi.
Player Comparison
Thus far, Real Madrid is doing much worse than they were just a year ago; a lot of that is due to a lack of goals. Mauro Icardi is a great striker but let’s take an in-depth look at that difference by comparing him to the current number nine, Karim Benzema.
Thus far, Benzema and Icardi have both played 24 games across all competitions for Real Madrid and Inter Milan. Unfortunately, Benzema is merely in the shadows of his possible replacement.
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Karim has played 24 games in six competitions this season and has scored a measly six goals. That means the Frenchman puts away a goal every four games. Such a ratio will in no way help Madrid carry on their trophy haul under coach Zinedine Zidane.
On the flip side, Mauro Icardi is looking young, fresh, and most importantly full of goals. Icardi, like Benzema, has played 24 games but across just two competitions. Mauro has scored 18 goals in this time, a much greater feat than the Frenchman. Icardi is also just 24-years-old making him a suitable long-term replacement.
Bottom of the List
As of right now, this is nothing more than speculation. Often times, it is hard to predict the transfer targets of Florentino Perez in a transfer window, let alone outside of one. There are many moving parts to the acquisition of players and with the rumored overhaul of the squad knowing what it is going to happen just gets harder.
Here is a look at some other players who are more likely to make their way to the Bernabeu before Mauro Icardi:
- Eden Hazard – a long time fan of Zidane’s and has yet to sign a contract extension with Chelsea.
- Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid has been keen to replace Keylor Navas for some time now and Courtois recently expressed his willingness to return to the Capital.
- David de Gea – another goalkeeper that could replace Keylor Navas and in being Spanish increases the clubs affinity for the netminder.
- Harry Kane – Kane is a huge target for Real Madrid to fill their striker role, Perez loves to splash the cash on the biggest names and Kane has been putting up incredible numbers.
Conclusion
Mauro Icardi to Real Madrid is just speculation and in my opinion, I don’t see it happening. Icardi is a great out and out striker, no doubt but is he world class and prolific enough for Florentino Perez?
Perez may consult Zidane on who should come to the club but the final decision lays with the President. Icardi does not fall in line with the Galactico policy that has been the backbone of Real Madrid for some time now. The more likely replacement would be Harry Kane.
Next: Real Madrid: Who should replace Carvajal against PSG?
For now, it is nearly impossible to say for certain a specific player that would come to Madrid regardless of their position. With a World Cup looming, this could drastically increase the market value of players. The tournament could be a chance for players to shine leaving their current club less reluctant to let go of their star player.