5 replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid

1. Neymar

This move would see Neymar’s already sullied reputation take a dive in the hearts of the Blaugrana faithful not seen since Luis Figo’s move from Barcelona to Madrid in the summer of 2000 (which is, not coincidentally when Perez, became the big cheese at Madrid).

In addition to reconfirming his status as the most expensive player in the history of soccer(the rumored fee would be in the neighborhood of 400 million Euros), this transfer would bring to an end one of the sport’s worst kept secrets. Neymar’s father (who also serves as his agent) was rumored to be meeting Perez throughout last season.

Despite all that may be said about Neymar off the pitch, there’s little debate the 26-year-old PSG forward would be a great on-field fit. In just 20 Ligue 1 games prior to his foot injury last season, he had 19 goals and 15 assists and his four prior seasons at Barcelona showed he can play in La Liga.

Next: Russia 2018: The best player on every team at the World Cup

Like Ronaldo, he can play either wide or in the middle to score goals. His creativity is among the best in the world, and when you combine him with Benzema, Bale and other current Madrid players, plus potential additions this summer, he could lead Real into the 2020s. The move is also his best bet of surpassing Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the best in the world, as is his stated ambition.

None of these five fantastic players will truly replace Ronaldo — unless they too can win four Champions Leagues, two La Ligas, become the all-time top goalscorer in club history and then accomplish more — but any of them would help soften the blow of his departure.