Ranked! 11 potential replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid

11. Leon BaileyThe 20-year-old Jamaican would be a huge gamble, but he is definitely worth looking at. His potential is incredible and his style is quite similar to the young version of Cristiano Ronaldo.Bailey has started his Bundesliga career with eight goals and six assists in 17 matches for Bayer Leverkusen this term, and his lightning speed and trickery make him unplayable when on-song. Naturally, he's extremely inexperienced and it’s impossible to expect him to replace the Portuguese immediately, but touches like his backheel goal against Hoffenheim show that he can become a world-class player.10. Robert LewandowskiBayern Munich’s Polish superstar has been the best centre-forward in the world over the past six years. Though a true penalty area predator who is strong and powerful, Lewandowski is also elegant and capable of scoringexquisite goals. His record for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern speaks for itself: he's not scored fewer than 25 goals per season since 2011, and is especially prolific in the Champions League.Real Madrid know that better than anyone –he netted four times past them in the 2013 semi-finals. There's one significant problem, though: Lewandowski will be 30 in August, and therefore hardly a player you can build a future around. He would be an extremely costly short-term solution, and it's doubtfullos Blancos need that.9. Paulo DybalaThe Argentine has a lot appeal – not only is he an outrageously talented and versatile striker, but the Juventus attacker is also extremely charismatic. His smile and looks can sell shirts by themselves, even without his mighty dribbling skills and shots.There are significant doubts, though, whether Dybala can really be a true big-game player. Granted, he put in a brilliant performance against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals last season, and that is always a plus as far as Madrid are concerned.Yet he often tends to disappear when it matters most, as in the 2017 final against Real. The 24-year-old has scored five Champions League goals in 24 matches, and is yet to prove himself for his national side.8. NeymarObviously, given the quality of the player, this is a very tempting move. To bring the former Barcelona idol back to La Liga, to play for their biggest enemy, would be a phenomenal PR move by Real Madrid. They could hardly think of a deal that would bring more coverage. Neymar knows the league welland is certain to perform, making El Clasico hotter than ever.The downside is that the Brazilian would be an extremely expensive purchase. Even if Paris Saint-Germain are persuaded to sell their star, they would want to make a profit on their €222m investment. In addition, Neymar might not make life easy in the dressing room. As his difficult relationship with Edinson Cavani shows, the idyllic MSN relationship at the Camp Nou was perhaps one of a kind.7. Mohamed SalahAt the moment, the Egyptian wizard is playing so well he looks as close as anyone can be to a young Leo Messi. He’s left-footed, played predominantly on the right, possesses incredible dribbling skills and scores plenty of marvellous goals.If Madrid want to sign someone to rival the Barcelona superstar, Salah should be their candidate – and the chances are that he would be a good fit for the Spanish league.There are significant cons too, though. The 25-year-old would never be truly able to reach Messi's level, and los Blancoswould have to be content with an “inferior” version. Salah has only starred at the top level for the last couple of years, and changed clubs several times in a short period. Another transfer could be one too many at this point, so he should probably prove his stability at Liverpool first.6. Eden HazardThe Belgian is quite similar to Ronaldo in more ways than one – a left-sided player who predominantly uses his right foot to shoot, likes to cut inside and can even perform as a central striker. He’s an exquisite dribbler, a major source of unpredictable creativity and vastly experienced at the highest level, having played for Chelsea since 2012.At 27, Hazard could be at the right age to look for a new challenge before it’s too late. After being linked with a Bernabeu move almost every summer, it's about time to take that chance. The only call against him is that he wouldn't be able to replace Ronaldo as a scorer. Hazard has never netted more than 16 Premier League goals in a season, and his European record is poor with 10 goals in 45 matches.5. Timo WernerMadrid already considered signing the German in January, and in many ways he would be a very good fit. He's young at just 21, but also experienced having made his Bundesliga debut at the age of 17 - and he’s almost certain to score a lot of goals. Having netted 31 times in 48 league matches for RB Leipzig, he’s also prolific as the new central striker for hisnational team Germany.Werner is confident, takes his chances cold-bloodedly, and – importantly – he’s not a pure No.9. Werner's game is mostly based on incredible speed and the ability to go past opponents. He can play in various positions and become a true heir to Ronaldo at a sane price, as opposed to the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.4. Mauro IcardiIf Real are looking for a ruthless player, Icardi should be their man. He might not be popular with everyone due to his off-pitch antics (especially the infamous Maxi Lopez affair), but the Argentine simply doesn't care about other people’s opinions.He’s used to overcoming different crises, including a big fallout with Inter fans, by performing on the pitch and scoring goals. It will be very difficult to find a No.9 with a better one-touch finish, and Icardi is capable of finding the net in every way. The 24-year-old has a powerful shot, is good in the airand dangerous from any angle. RealMadrid need someone like him, even if he’s by no means a direct replacement for Ronaldo.3. Kylian MbappeThe 19-year-old made such an incredible impact in 2017 that he looks destined for superstardom. The French forward scored in six consecutive Champions League games during the knockout stages for Monaco, helped the Monegasques to win the Ligue 1 title, and then chose to join boyhood club PSG. Immediately he looksat home in new surroundings.Technically, Mbappe is close to perfect, while also being smart and lightning quick. He’s also extremely strong mentally, and could arguably become an instant success at any club in the world. The move to Paris is considered a loan before the summer, but the €160m fee will be triggered. Long-term, though, could Real Madridfind a way to make him their for years to come?2. Goncalo GuedesA bold prediction, but listen carefully: Guedes could be the real heir to Ronaldo. For a start, he’s Portuguese. Secondly, his style is reminiscent of the young Cristiano. He’s able to play on both wings, he’s creative, his ball control is sublime, and his form for Valencia has been breathtaking this term. At just 21, Guedes has a lot of room for progress too.Los Che are now dreaming of making his loan move from PSG permanent, and if Valencia are financially capable of striking a deal, Real Madrid certainly are too. This could be a chance to sign a potentially world-class superstar at a decent price. It would be a gamble, but it’s surely worth taking.1. Harry KanePutsimply, Kane is the best target imaginable for Real Madrid. They desperately need a striker who scores goals in every situation, and the Tottenham star is exactly that. Those who considered him a one-season wonder were wrong, and during the last two years he’s approached a goal-per-game ratio in the league.Spurs' all-timePremier League scorer is finding the net in the Champions League as well, and is prolific for his national team. He is extremely confident, loves to shoot from distance and involves his team-mates with good hold-up play too.Kane turns 25 in the summer and should be in his prime – exactly the man to build a team around. Tottenham's price would be high, but the hard-working and modest striker is better than any other option on the market.New features you'd love on FourFourTwo.com