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Real Madrid is embarking on a significant overhaul this summer, following two seasons of underwhelming results.
Florentino Pérez's re-election paved the way for José Mourinho's return to the dugout, and squad-building is already underway with the signings of Ibrahima Konaté, Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella.
Further arrivals are anticipated, among them Denzel Dumfries and at least one additional defensive reinforcement. A holding midfielder has been a long-standing transfer target, and the prospect of another "Galáctico" attacker cannot be dismissed—with Michael Olise frequently mentioned as a candidate.
One area that has attracted comparatively little attention is the center-forward position. Yet according to AS, Mourinho is eager to bring in a "plan B" striker to serve as cover for Kylian Mbappé, offering an impact option from the bench—much like the role Joselu filled so effectively during the 2023–24 campaign. The Athletic similarly reports that Mourinho wants another "pure striker," though they note any new addition would require at least one existing forward to depart first.
The backup striker role is a highly specialized one. With other positions taking precedence, Madrid are unlikely to invest heavily here, and any incoming player would need to accept making their mark with limited playing time.
Joselu, who netted 18 times across all competitions during his solitary season at the club—including that memorable Champions League semifinal brace—set the benchmark. Here are six candidates who could look to fill those shoes this summer.
1. Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
Age: 28
Goals in 2025–26: 16
Contract expiry: 2027
One of the Premier League's standout strikers over the past three seasons, Mateta came close to joining AC Milan in January before a knee problem derailed his medical. After completing the remainder of the campaign with Crystal Palace, he went on to score the decisive goal in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano and subsequently earned a spot in France's World Cup squad.
The 6'4" target man may not fit the traditional "Galáctico" mold, but he has a strong familiarity with Mbappé through international football, is in the peak years of his career and has just one year remaining on his Palace deal.
2. Ante Budimir (Osasuna)
Age: 34
Goals in 2025–26: 19
Contract expiry: 2027
Looking at domestic options, only Mbappé has outscored Budimir in La Liga over the last two seasons.
Despite building a reputation as a journeyman throughout much of his career, the Croatia international blossomed into a prolific scorer after joining Osasuna in the twilight of his playing days.
Much like Mateta, his physical attributes would give Madrid a completely different dimension as a focal point in attack, while his contract situation makes him an affordable option for a season or two.
3. Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
Age: 26
Goals in 2025–26: 10
Contract expiry: 2026
Serbian international Vlahović is poised to become one of the most sought-after free agents of the summer after allowing his Juventus contract to wind down.
The 26-year-old reportedly reached a deadlock with Juve over wage negotiations, with neither party prepared to compromise.
A well-rounded striker equally effective on the ground and in the air, Vlahović's reputation has faded somewhat since he was once regarded as one of Europe's most exciting young forwards. Nevertheless, his scoring record remains respectable and he represents the kind of value-for-money opportunity that Pérez tends to act on. Atlético Madrid have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
4. Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)
Age: 25
Goals in 2025–26: 11
Contract expiry: 2033
Following a mixed loan spell at Bayern Munich, where he served as Harry Kane's understudy, Jackson finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his career.
The Senegal international's future at Chelsea remains uncertain, yet he still has plenty to offer the right club.
Tall, exceptionally quick and with a track record of scoring in Spain, Jackson could prove an intriguing option. His inconsistency in front of goal, however, would be a concern for a player likely to receive only sporadic opportunities to make an impression.
5. Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)
Age: 29
Goals in 2025–26: 25
Contract expiry: 2029
Few clubs have exploited the World Cup as a scouting showcase quite like Real Madrid, who have previously snapped up the likes of Mesut Özil, Sami Khedira, James Rodriguez, Keylor Navas and others on the strength of impressive tournament performances.
Undav, who contributed five goal involvements in just two substitute appearances for Germany, may well have caught Pérez's eye in similar fashion. There are precious few strikers around who can match his clinical efficiency in front of goal.
Had the German been a few years younger and not already signed a contract extension before departing for the World Cup, a move might have seemed considerably more plausible.
SI answers is our AI answer engine trained on human-created content.
6. Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)
Age: 27
Goals in 2025–26: 30
Contract expiry: 2029
The focal point of Mourinho's Benfica attack, Pavlidis embodies precisely the type of striker the experienced manager has consistently favored throughout his career: physically imposing, tireless in his work rate, adept at combining with teammates and deadly inside the penalty area.
While his record of 60 goals in 110 appearances for Benfica is remarkable, the Greece international has yet to be tested at the highest level—having spent most of his career in the Netherlands and Portugal. He does, however, possess the potential to punish La Liga's lesser sides with regularity.