'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Which faces will join this picture in 2015/16?With the summer transfer window fast approaching, football fans across the globe will be speculating on which players will be on the move.One club that nobody can take their eyes off is Real Madrid. The Blancos have a rich history of making blockbuster signings and the world is waiting to see which players are snapped up during the close season break.New blood is exciting at any club, but that euphoria is amplified tenfold at Real Madrid. The chance of joining the Galacticos is a unique opportunity for new signings and Castilla graduates alike.Here are 9 players who could become the next big thing at the Bernabeu:
#1 David de Gea
Current No.1 Iker Casillas is a Bernabeu legend. However, time catches up on all of us and Real Madrid know they’ve got to unearth the long-term replacement soon. It looks increasingly likely that compatriot David De Gea is the perfect successor.
De Gea has been instrumental in helping Manchester United climb back towards the upper echelons of English football, but a move to the current Champions League holders could be too much for the Spaniard to resist.
Losing De Gea is an eventuality that Manchester United have prepared for with the signing of Victor Valdes. A summer move looks likely.
#2 Eden Hazard
It has been another fantastic season for Chelsea star Eden Hazard, who seems destined to be named the Premier League’s PFA Player of the Year foe 2014/15, but that hasn’t stopped rumours circulating around a potential summer exit from Stamford Bridge.
Jose Mourinho will do everything in his power to keep the Blues star in west London but speculation surrounding the Belgian’s perceived desire to play elsewhere could interest Real Madrid, particularly if the current front three of Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo disbands.
Hazard is the type of player who would improve any squad on the planet. For that reason alone, he has to be considered a potential signing for the Blancos.
#3 Paul Pogba
Juventus star Paul Pogba is the hottest young property in world football right now and the inevitable war for his signature will be explosive. Real Madrid will definitely be amongst the frontrunners.
Some sources, including the Frenchman’s agent, have suggested that it will take a world record fee to obtain the 22-year-old’s services. If that’s to be the case, then the Blancos are surely favourites thanks to their recent history of smashing those particular records.
Pogba is a phenomenal talent that has dominated Italian football ever since arriving from Manchester United. A lethal combination of technical ability and physical presence has additionally seen him excel on the international stage.
The Frenchman will be a star wherever he moves. The only question of any real pertinence is: where?
#4 Martin Odegaard
The media circus surrounding Martin Odegaard’s move to Real Madrid was nothing short of absurd. Nonetheless, the Blancos, just like the long list of rivals they beat to the 16-year-old’s signature, obviously see a great deal of potential in the Norwegian wonderkid and have high hopes that he’ll develop into a leading start.
Odegaard has endured a rocky start to life in Spain, with fans and press scrutinising his every move. Still, there’s plenty of time for the attacking midfielder to find his feet.
Talks of fast-tracking the Norwegian to the first team seem to be on the backburner right now, but you don’t become a senior international if there isn’t an underlying level of talent. Fans might have to wait a little longer than once hoped but there is no reason to write off the youngster yet.
#5 Jose Luis Gaya
Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly been monitoring the progress of teen sensation Jose Luis Gaya for some time and the 19-year-old’s failure to sign a new deal at current club Valencia would appear to suggest that he could be on his way to the capital.
The impressive left-back has a €18 million release clause in his current contract, a fee that Real Madrid would presumably be quite happy to match. It appears that the young Spaniard has been pinpointed as Marcelo’s long-term successor.
Should he join this summer, there is a chance he’ll be loaned out for a year or two. However, Jose Luis Gaya could easily be a Galactico of the future.
#6 Luciano Vietto
Villarreal striker Luciano Vietto has enjoyed a phenomenal first year in La Liga, scoring 12 times since joining the Yellows from Racing Club, and Real Madrid are reportedly very interested in the 21-year-old Argentinean.
Vietto’s youth, versatility and a keen eye for goals would make him a fantastic option from the bench in 2015/16, with a view to promoting him to a more permanent role later in his career.
Clasico rivals Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Vietto’s progress too, perhaps Real should pounce soon.
#7 Raheem Sterling
Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling is undoubtedly one of the most talented rising stars in world football and there is a chance that the England star will be lined up as the next Bernabeu hero.
Sterling has publicly rejected a contract extension at Anfield, alerting the cream of Europe to the 20-year-old’s services. The Reds man has insisted he wants to win trophies and play Champions League football on a yearly basis, and Real Madrid are certainly one of the leading candidates on meeting those aspirations.
Competition for a regular starting place would be fierce, but Sterling has already demonstrated his self-belief on a number of occasions. The wonderkid has the attributes of a star in the making, perhaps the Spanish capital will be his next destination.
#8 Danilo
One player that we already know is heading to the Bernabeu is current Porto defender Danilo.
The Brazilian has agreed a six-year deal with the Spanish giants, who have spent £23 million to acquire the 23-year-old’s services, and could finally provide the solution to Real’s longstanding problems at right-back.
Like compatriot Marcelo, Danilo offers plenty of attacking threat whilst his speed and physical attributes should see him win over Blancos fans immediately. Expect him to enjoy a long and successful career in the Spanish capital.
#10 Hachim Mastour
The whole of Italy is waiting patiently to see Hachim Mastour earn his senior debut for AC Milan but the 16-year-old has already played at the Bernabeu, helping the Serie A club to a 4-2 friendly win over the Blancos back in December. There’s a strong feeling he could end up in the Spanish capital on a permanent basis at some stage.
Mastour has been touted as the next Zinedine Zidane, which will naturally draw links to Real Madrid once he breaks into first team action at the San Siro.
If Mastour develops into the star that experts in Milan predict, he will move on to bigger and better things. A future Galactico in the making?
