(Football news)  Starting from Alfredo Di Stéfano to Hugo Sánchez to Raúl González, and from Ronaldo to Cristiano Ronaldo to Karim Benzema, Real Madrid’s rich soccer history has always been intertwined with world-class scorers.

However, this season presents a potential departure from that norm, as the Spanish powerhouse enters the campaign without a high-profile striker in its ranks.

Karim Benzema, who held the mantle of the team’s standout player in recent seasons and clinched the Ballon d’Or award last year, made a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian soccer. Real Madrid is yet to secure a replacement of equal stature.

With the season’s kickoff looming in less than a week, Madrid’s forward lineup consists of only four players, among whom only one is a bona fide striker.

Despite attempts to secure the services of Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid has encountered difficulties in striking a deal for the French star. The possibility of signing Mbappé might have to wait until his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season, providing a potential opportunity to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

For now, Real Madrid has acquired Joselu on loan from Espanyol. The 33-year-old striker experienced a late-career resurgence and has been a regular feature in Spain’s national team. The expectation is that he can form a fruitful partnership with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, the promising young Brazilian duo that displayed potential to assume more significant attacking roles last season.

Vinícius Júnior’s previous season was marred by racist abuse from fans, sparking a global wave of support for the Brazilian from sporting figures. These incidents led to government intervention to intensify the fight against racism.

Another attacking option for Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is the 24-year-old Brahim Díaz, who returned to the squad after a three-year loan spell with AC Milan. Although listed as one of the squad’s forwards, Brahim Díaz often played in an attacking midfield role.

Besides the absence of Benzema, Real Madrid has also seen the departure of forwards Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, and Mariano Díaz. While they had limited playing time last season, they provided Ancelotti with bench options.

The coach previously stated the club’s intent to seek “a striker who can score goals and establish a strong connection with the team.”

While Harry Kane was reportedly among the candidates to succeed Benzema, the Tottenham striker has been linked more prominently with Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid’s defense remains largely unchanged, anchored by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. In the midfield, the addition of young English midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund will provide a boost. Bellingham will complement veterans Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, both of whom extended their contracts for what is likely to be their final seasons with the Spanish club. The new season begins with a match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

In the previous season, Real Madrid secured three titles—the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and Copa del Rey. However, they finished second in La Liga, trailing champion Barcelona by 10 points, and were eliminated by Manchester City in the Champions League semifinals.

The potential for greater accomplishments this season hinges on Real Madrid’s ability to sustain their attacking prowess in the absence of a genuine goal-scorer or, alternatively, on their ability to secure the signing of Mbappé, finally achieving that long-awaited success.

Also Read: Securing Maguire, West Ham and Manchester United have reached a preliminary agreement