Mbappe and Haaland among five signings that could usher in a third galactico era at Real Madrid

Seb Sternik
28 January 2022

Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland

Real Madrid might be top of La Liga but their place among Europe’s elite has somewhat diminished over recent years. These five signings though, could spark a new era of success.

There's a feeling of transition about Real Madrid at the moment. The ongoing stadium refurbishment, the ageing squad, the return of Carlo Ancelotti - all these signs suggest major change at the club is just around the corner.

During the recent second galactico era, the club enjoyed countless successes - including four Champions League titles in five years.

The problem is, the second galactico era is now over. Cristiano Ronaldo is long gone, Sergio Ramos is in Paris and the likes of Luka Modric, Marcelo and Toni Kroos are well into their 30s.

With Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also fading, Real have remained dominant domestically. However, when it comes to competing in Europe, Real have stagnated, bowing out of the Champions League in the round-of-16 stage in three of the last four seasons.

Clearly, the time for change has arrived. Question is, who will the club recruit to lead them into a fresh wave of success, and what exactly do they bring to the table.

Erling Haaland

It has been widely reported that Real Madrid are leading the race to sign Norway international Erling Haaland.

In two-and-a-half seasons at Borussia Dortmund, the striker has become one of the hottest properties in world football - one that is being pursued by some of Europe's biggest clubs.

During his time in Germany, the player has scored 80 goals in 79 appearances and has won a multitude of individual awards.

However, with Dortmund seemingly unable to compete for major honours, it's no surprise the player is itching for a new challenge.

For Real Madrid, it is exactly the type of transfer that could re-establish their reputation as a footballing powerhouse.

Karim Benzema is currently the man who is relied upon to find the back of the net. However, with the France international in his mid-thirties, Real need fresh blood. Haaland most certainly fits the bill.

Kylian Mbappe

Paris Saint-Germain have been able to accomplish some incredible transfer deals in recent years.

However, their tight grip on Kylian Mbappe appears to be weakening as Real Madrid continue to pursue the French star.

As things stand, the 23-year-old will be without a contract in the summer and many expect Los Blancos to swoop for the forward.

PSG are desperate to tie the player down to a new deal as they look to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

Mbappe has been at the top of world soccer for over five years and continues to deliver goals on a consistent basis.

During his five years in Paris, Mbappe has scored 130 goals in 155 appearances. The Frenchman's best season at the club was the 2020/2021 campaign in which he bagged 42 goals.

Paul Pogba

Talk of Paul Pogba leaving Manchester United is nothing new. The Frenchman has been linked with a move away for a couple of years and has shown no inclination to sign a new deal at Old Trafford.

With Pogba set to be available for free in the summer, expect Real Madrid to be one of the many clubs knocking on his door.

The 28-year-old has played over 200 games for the Red Devils and bagged 38 goals in the process. Despite this, the World Cup winner has only got his hands on two trophies during his most recent six-year stint at the club - the EFL Cup and the Europa League.

With Pogba looking to solidify his name as one of the best players on the continent, joining a club of Real Madrid's calibre would provide him with a platform to do just that.

What's more, the club could also use a fresh presence in the middle of the park.

Antonio Rudiger

Another 28-year-old who will be a free agent in the summer is Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

The German has been in impressive form this season, which has only heightened the anticipation over his next move.

According to recent reports, the player has his sights on two specific places - London or Madrid.

Spanish outlet AS have reported that Rudiger's dreams of representing Los Blancos could very well become a reality as he looks to follow in the footsteps of former Chelsea stars Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois.

From Real Madrid's perspective, this is also a deal which would significantly strengthen their defensive ranks.

Since the departure of Sergio Ramos, Real have lacked a dominant centre-back. A partnership of Rudiger and David Alaba is a mouthwatering prospect for the 2022/23 season.

Franck Kessie

One man who has been courting the headlines is Franck Kessie.

With the 25-year-old out of contract in June, clubs from across Europe have already begun the battle to secure his signature.

Real Madrid appear to be very interested, with president Florentino Perez having already sent representatives to AC Milan.

Kessie is reportedly prioritising a move to England. However, an offer from Los Blancos is undoubtedly going to be enticing.

The midfielder has made over 200 appearances for AC Milan and played a big part in their recent return to the Champions League.

Speaking of Europe, Real Madrid would significantly improve their chances of dominating the continent with Kessie, Pogba, Rudiger, Haaland and Mbappe in their squad.

And what's more, with four of these players available on free transfers, the next galactico powerhouse can be achieved on a fraction of the budget. That is until their wages are taken into account, of course.