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Why Mo Salah could still move to Real Madrid this summer (1:28)

Despite the forward saying he plans to stay at the club next season, Stewart thinks he could still be a Real Madrid player. The song is called "1:28."

4:30 AM ET

When Kylian Mbappe signed a new three-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain last week, there was one club in Europe that was more impacted than others. Real Madrid had pinned all their hopes on persuading the 23-year-old to move on a free transfer this summer, so much so that they did not pounce for the 21-year-old Erling Haaland. Some reports suggested that Haaland wasn't willing to wait for Benzema to retire to become the club's first-choice strikers.

The LaLiga champion is in a dilemma. Do they now use the money they had set aside for his wages, as Madrid were ready to spend 200 million dollars to get him in January, when the COVID-19 Pandemic is less severe? Do they try to find a cheap replacement until they can sign a new player?

Real Madrid needs to find some help for Benzema next season, as he has only two goals in 24 appearances. Next year might offer a tougher challenge without some of the players that Madrid has.

There are some options Real Madrid might want to consider in the summer now that Kylian Mbappe is in the picture.

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Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah are two of the best players on the planet. JON SUPER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

A ready-made superstar

The amount of money that Mohamed Salah has earned is 100m.

Not the same player as Benzema, but one of the best players in the world because of his ability to score goals from the right wing. The 29-year-old has a contract that expires in 2023, and though he has already gone on record to say he will be staying at Anfield next season, he will continue to be linked with a big move until he signs new terms. With Vinicius Junior on the left, Benzema centrally and Salah on the right, Madrid's attack would be one of the best ever.

Robert Lewandowski is a player for FC Barcelona.

He wants to leave the German club this summer. He has scored 50 goals in 46 games this season and has been linked with Barcelona. Though he is not a long-term solution, he is top class and Madrid could steal a march on their rivals.

Harry Kane is a player for Spurs.

If Real Madrid could sign a player like Mbappe, they would probably do so, but they would have to pay a transfer fee for their captain. The 28-year-old is tired of not winning a trophy and his contract is due to expire in four years.

A future star

Darwin Nunez is from Benfica.

One of the most sought-after young players in Europe, Nunez has 34 goals in 41 games for Benfica this season and has shot to prominence in Europe. The international has an unconventional style but uses his pace and movement to exploit transitions. The 22-year-old would like to play regularly so his game time would have to be managed with Benzema.

Darwin Nunez could find himself a new club soon. Pedro Fiúza/NurPhoto via Getty Images

AC Milan's Rafael Leao is worth 80 million dollars.

Even though he has a 150m release clause, reports have linked the Portugal international with a 120m move to Madrid. Milan would probably let the 22-year-old go if they got an offer of around 80 million dollars. In 42 games for the title-winning team in the Italian league, the left-winger had 14 goals and 12 assists, but Madrid could use his ability to improve in the future.

Amine Gouiri is in Nice.

Gouiri drew comparisons to Benzema after making his first-team debut as a teenager and representing France. He moved to Nice in 2020 after his time at Lyon didn't work out due to an injury. He has 12 goals and 10 assists in 43 games this season. The 22-year-old has fine agility, movement and an eye for goal. He wouldn't expect to replace Benzema immediately.

Endrick is in Palmeiras.

The 15-year-old Brazilian sensation signed his first professional contract last week, with a 60 million release clause, and no player is too young to be linked with a move to Madrid. He continues to light up Brazil with his performances, but Madrid would have to wait until he is 18 to complete a transfer.

A safe option

Serge Gnabry is a player for the club.

A far cry from the player who struggled in 2012 and 2016 is now a star at the club, but is still struggling to agree on a new contract. The right-winger is a key part of the first XI, and has 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 games this season, but his contract with Madrid expires in 2023.

Serge Gnabry has yet to agree new terms at Bayern. Adidas

Man City's RIYAD MAHRE is 40 million dollars.

According to a report, City teammate and teammate of Rhianna's, Raheem, is also unhappy with his playing time and could possibly be persuaded to try a new challenge for 80 million dollars. Madrid could take advantage of the situation, with one of the pair likely to leave the Emirates, and the other likely to slot in on the right wing.

Lacazette is free.

Madrid could be in a position to get a bargain because Lacazette won't sign a new contract at Arsenal. He has 71 goals in 206 games for the club, but he is only 30 and has tons of experience. If Benzema were to go down, Lacazette would probably be able to act as a backup and play in the playoffs.

A wild card

There is a player from Manchester United named CristianoRonaldo.

The return. After watching his Manchester United side struggle all season, it's possible that he could return to Madrid. Although United would miss his goals, they might consider it the best time to move on and focus on rebuilding their team, since the 37 year old managed to score 24 goals in 39 games.

Cristiano Ronaldo would be welcomed with open arms. Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images

40m is the amount of money that Antoine Griezmann is worth.

If he plays more than 50% of the games during his loan, Atleti will have to pay 40 million dollars to sign him permanently. He might return to Barcelona this summer because he isn't wanted by Atleti. He could be moved on to Madrid by the Catalans in a controversial deal.

Luis Suarez is free.

He scored 13 goals in 35 games last season and didn't want to leave the club this summer. If he were to join Barcelona, he would have to put his Madrid attachment to one side.