Skip to content

Real Madrid: Pogba, Aguero or Sterling to be next Galactico?

Graphic

Every summer Real Madrid add a stellar name to their star-studded squad – so who will be their big-money signing in the upcoming transfer window?

Last year, World Cup hero James Rodriguez arrived from Monaco for a fee which could top £71m, while Real broke the world transfer record to sign Tottenham’s £80m man Gareth Bale in 2013.

After a trophyless 2014/15 season, which cost Carlo Ancelotti his job, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will no doubt be looking to make a mega purchase this summer to bring success back to the capital club.

Here we take a look at five players who he could have in his sights…

Paul Pogba

Juventus' midfielder from France Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A football match
Image: Juventus' Paul Pogba has been in fine form for the Italian side

Voted the best young player at the 2014 World Cup, former Manchester United midfielder Pogba has starred for Champions League finalists Juventus this season – and has attracted interest from all of Europe’s top clubs. Could a link-up with France legend Zinedine Zidane appeal to the 22-year-old Les Bleus ace? French newspaper L’Equipe claim Pogba has instructed his agent to strike a deal with either Real or Barcelona – however, both will have to spend big, with Spanish newspaper AS claiming Juventus want a £70m fee.

Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero scored Manchester City's winner against Tottenham
Image: Sergio Aguero was the Premier League top scorer in 2014/15

Look away now Manchester City fans because Premier League top scorer Aguero has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu by AS. A transfer fee of £63m was estimated to be the price Real would go to for the Argentina striker by the newspaper, and the former Atletico Madrid star – who scored 26 times in England’s top flight this season – would unquestionably add even more firepower to the Spanish side’s considerable forward line.

Raheem Sterling

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling takes a shot at goal past Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (L)
Image: Raheem Sterling's Liverpool future is in doubt following contract dispute

“We know who Raheem Sterling is, and of course we are monitoring him as a player,” said Real Madrid coach Zidane in April. “There are very few players in the world who can improve the Real Madrid squad, so it is going to make sense we monitor the progress of the best young players in the world.” Sterling’s subsequent contract dispute at Liverpool has thrown his future at Anfield into doubt – could Real be tempted to make a move for the 20-year-old England international?

Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti Italy
Image: Marco Verratti has impressed for Italy and PSG this season

Central midfield is an area Real Madrid have earmarked to address - Luka Modric’s absence due to injury this season highlighted his importance to the team, while Sami Khedira’s exit and Asier Illarramendi’s uncertain future could leave them short in that department. PSG’s Verratti – who was linked with the club last summer – could be the solution, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. The Italian playmaker was a favourite of sacked Real boss Carlo Ancelotti. Whether Real pick up their pursuit despite the manager’s exit remains to be seen.

Marco Reus

Image: Marco Reus signed a new Borussia Dortmund deal

Germany forward Marco Reus recently signed a new contract with Borussia Dortmund, tying him to the club until 2019 – however, AS claim Real Madrid are plotting an initial £25m bid for the 25-year-old. Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with a move for Reus but Real Madrid have been long-term admirers. With Jurgen Klopp leaving Dortmund, could Reus follow him out of the exit door?

Around Sky