Read the daily gossip from any English newspaper, and your favorite Premier League player is more than likely linked with a move to Real Madrid. Since the transfer window opened this summer, the likes of Sergio Aguero, Paul Pogba and David De Gea have all been rumored to become the next Galactico.
But in newly appointed manager Rafa Benitez, Real have already signed the missing piece to their championship puzzle. Any of the aforementioned names are merely surplus goods.
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Take De Gea for instance. The premise—at least for some—is that Spain’s new No. 1 needs to guard the posts at the Santiago Bernabeu. Manchester United have gone as far as demanding £28 million, per the Independent, for a player that can walk to Madrid on a free transfer in 2016. (De Gea's contract expires at the end of the season.)
In the meantime, Keylor Navas is more than capable of handling the responsibilities. The Costa Rican international was named the 2013-14 La Liga Goalkeeper of the Year and is better known for his heroics at the 2014 World Cup.
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What of Paul Pogba?
No one can deny the 22-year-old’s quality, but balance—or a lack thereof—proved to be Carlo Ancelotti’s downfall last season. Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Isco and James Rodriguez are already occupying a crowded midfield. There’s no need for a fifth midfielder better known for his ability to push forward than his ability to provide sufficient defensive cover.
The same can be said for Sergio Aguero.
Injuries forced the Argentine out of the lineup in 2014-15. Aguero missed half of Manchester City’s league campaign, finishing his 19 appearances with 15 goals and six assists.
Karim Benzema, by comparison, finished with 17 goals and eight assists in 32 appearances. Durability is a necessity when competing for three trophies. In that regard, Aguero is no upgrade over his French counterpart.
With the return of Casemiro—the defensive midfielder spent last season on loan at FC Porto—Benitez has found the balance that cost Madrid a 33rd league title.
There's no need to upset that balance. There's no need for reinforcements.
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