Only a year after winning their tenth Champions League title, it’s all change at Real Madrid as the Spanish giants have relieved coach Carlo Ancelotti of his duties.
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Despite the protests of some senior players, club president Florentino Perez saw fit to eject the Italian coach following his failure to either win the Spanish title or retain the Champions League crown.
It looks inevitable that former Napoli coach Rafael Benitez will take the hotseat at the Bernabeu [via the Guardian].
However, how can the ex-Liverpool manager guarantee that he brings success—and specifically, the Champions League—back to the Spanish capital?
It this feature we profile six potential Real Madrid signings who could guarantee that Rafa brings home the Champions League in his first season as Merengues boss.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling has confirmed that he will not be signing a new contract at Anfield, and a departure looks inevitable.
There aren’t too many clubs in the world who could (or would) afford to give Sterling the contract he supposedly craves.
However, Real could, and may well be keen to get their hands on one of the brightest young players in world football.
According to the Mirror, Benitez is keen to return to Anfield to make Sterling his first signing at the Bernabeu. However, they may face competition from the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
David De Gea
It’s no secret that Manchester United stopper David De Gea is hoping for a move to the Bernabeu. Nor will it come as any surprise that Real, looking for a successor to 34-year-old Iker Casillas, are targeting the Spain international.
Casillas himself dropped a major hint that the younger man would be replacing him but indicating that he is anticipating competition for his starting berth.
“I’m delighted with the competition. We will have to compete for a place like we do with Spain if he does come here. He can handle the pressure,” the legendary stopper began, as reported by The Sun [via the Telegraph].
“Florentino once asked me, if it were up to me, which keeper I’d sign. I prefer Spanish keepers. Right now, De Gea is the expert.”
Marco Verratti
Despite recently admitting that he was not looking to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, Real Madrid would surely be an alluring prospect for Marco Verratti.
The Italy international is one of the finest young midfielders in world football, and could be a key figure in the heart of Real’s midfield for a decade.
With Sami Khedira set for the exit door and Asier Illarramendi facing a murky future, Benitez may need to bring in some reinforcements in central midfield.
Having already been hit by financial fair-play sanctions, PSG may well be receptive should Real make a massive offer for the player.
Paul Pogba
There is no shortage of interest in Paul Pogba; Paris Saint-Germain are keen to bring the Parisian to Ligue 1, while Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to recruit the France international.
There is also some reported interest from the Premier League, with Manchester United reportedly keen on bringing the former Red Devils youth star back to Old Trafford.
However, while Real denied that they had made an offer for the player in an announcement on the club’s website, it would be little surprise if they tried to strike up a deal with Juventus this summer.
Sergio Aguero
AS [via Sky Sports] believe that Real Madrid are plotting a move for Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero as they look to bring the Premier League’s top scorer to the Bernabeu.
Florentino Perez may well see Aguero as an upgrade on Karim Benzema, and it would be tantalising to imagine a forward line of the Argentine striker, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Could that attacking trio outscore Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar?
We may soon find out, with Real believed to be considering a £63 million bid for the forward.
Marco Reus
There is set to be a major exodus from Borussia Dortmund this summer. Coach Jurgen Klopp confirmed he would be leaving the club during the 2015-16 campaign, while Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan are just two high-profile starts who are expected to follow him out of the club.
Could Germany international Marco Reus be set to follow them?
He may have signed a new contract at the club, but there is no shortage of interest in the forward with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United also understood to be keeping tabs on the 25-year-old.
However, Real have been long-term admirers and may well look to bring Reus to the Bernabeu this summer.