Real Madrid now want to sign Liverpool target to replace Karim Benzema

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Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Cody Gakpo as a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema, with Liverpool also in the running for the Netherlands international.

According to AS, Los Blancos are confident on winning the race to sign Gakpo, who this winter has seen his value and reputation surge after an incredible showing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar where the attacker scored three goals in five matches.

As well as Gakpo’s value raising to as high as €75m (£65m) according to Foot Mercato, interest has expanded for the PSV Eindhoven superstar as well, with TeamTalk reporting that Liverpool have joined the likes of Manchester United in the race to sign the attacker.

However, whilst Premier League interest might be high in Gakpo, Real Madrid are seemingly plotting a move to sign Gakpo in the January transfer window, with the Spanish giants viewing the 23-year-old as a replacement for the current Ballon d’Or holder Benzema.

The France international, whilst at the peak of his powers, has endured an injury-hit season that has seen Benzema miss Les Bleus’ run to the World Cup final in Qatar as well as numerous games for Madrid, with Gakpo now seen as a replacement for the 34-year-old.

Indeed, Madrid winning the race for Gakpo wouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone given how often the La Liga side have signed a player who has enjoyed a breakout World Cup, yet for Liverpool, this transfer will sting given how good the Dutch international would have been in Jurgen Klopp’s system.

Real Madrid signing Gakpo will be a blow to Premier League sides

Gakpo has been one of the major breakout stars of the World Cup this winter, and with Madrid now in the driving set to sign the attacker, the Dutchman’s move to Spain will be a blow to many Premier League sides, who had been hoping to land the 23-year-old in January.

After all, Gakpo has been strongly linked with a move to England since the summer window, and Madrid swooping in at the last second to sign the winger is something few would have predicted given how quiet the Spanish giants have been with the forward in recent weeks.