Calls for an overhaul at floundering Real Madrid reached deafening levels this weekend after yet another poor result.
The 2-2 draw at Levante saw Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah grow in prominence.
Here, we examine which one president Florentino Perez should make a ‘Galactico’.
HARRY KANE
GOOD
The contrast could not be starker. Karim Benzema has scored twice in 15 La Liga games this season and his shot-conversion rate is just 6.9 per cent.
Kane was the top goal scorer across Europe in 2017 and on Sunday became the second-fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals.
Such achievements mean a king’s ransom is required, yet at just 24 years old he represents an adroit investment in Madrid’s future.
One reason why the ‘Galactico’ era ultimately failed was buying stellar names after they’d peaked. Zinedine Zidane was purchased at 29, Luis Figo was nearly 28 and David Beckham had reached that mark.
They also would not just be buying an elite centre forward – they’d be drafting in a natural leader. Kane has captained both Spurs and England.
Too many have shirked responsibility this season at Madrid.
100 - @OptaJoe takes a look at how @SpursOfficial striker @HKane scored his 100 @PremierLeague goals & how quickly he reached the tally compared to previous leading strikers. Superstar. pic.twitter.com/c2nb9Nw90r
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 5, 2018
BAD
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy ensures that buying his best talent is more painful than pulling teeth.
Perez will shudder at memories of the drawn-out pursuit of Gareth Bale in 2013. Do Madrid have the stomach for a £200 million (Dh1 billion) saga?
Such an outlay necessitates a sure-fire hit. But English footballers have rarely travelled well.
Michael Owen lasted just a season at Madrid, Jonathan Woodgate’s calamitous, delayed debut mirrored his spell and injuries curtailed Laurie Cunningham. Even Beckham and Steve McManaman experienced stark ups and downs.
“He’s one of our own” is the chant that bellows at Spurs games and the feeling is mutual.
Most of Kane’s family are fans, he joined at 11 and is living his boyhood dream. Are Madrid welcome?
Kane v Salah
MOHAMED SALAH
GOOD
The interminable Lionel Messi/Cristiano Ronaldo debate would receive a novel twist with the electric Egypt forward’s capture.
Ex-Reds captain Jamie Carragher became the latest seasoned voice to label Salah the Argentine’s heir apparent after Sunday’s mesmerising, two-goal display against Spurs.
Buying him would make footballing fantasy, almost, come true.
These talents have travelled well across Europe, a valuable trait to possess. Salah’s torn it up in the Swiss Super League, Serie A and the Premier League by the age of 25.
Commendable strength of character to rebound from his Chelsea debacle and shine on Merseyside has also been exhibited.
If La Liga now awaits, the Middle East is already a huge market for Madrid and Salah’s purchase would take them into another stratosphere.
In the UAE alone, Madrid have inked lucrative deals with Emirates, NBAD and IPIC. Salah would provide an Arab idol to convert more supporters – and even potential sponsors.
Another record for #LFC's Mohamed Salah... 👏 #LIVTOT pic.twitter.com/ICjbv6oV2H
— Sport360° (@Sport360) February 4, 2018
BAD
An upgrade for the spent Benzema seems obvious, a case to begin the transition away from Ronaldo is worth debating.
But is a player of Salah’s talents required when you already possess Isco and Marco Asensio? If you are going to invest a figure touching on the world-record fee, there appear to be better options.
Belgium wizard Eden Hazard has yet to sign a new deal at Chelsea and is reported to desire Madrid. He is, unquestionably, more proven and would, arguably, be cheaper.
A glance across to El Clasico rivals Barcelona shows Salah will not be an easy signing to make.
Liverpool steadfastly rebuffed overtures for Brazil playmaker Philippe Coutinho throughout summer 2017. It took discontent, a huge sum and the opening of the winter market to belatedly land him.
Madrid cannot afford to hang about when such a daunting renovation is required.
Philippe Coutinho at his Barcelona unveiling.
