Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has identified 18 year old Brazilian striker Matheus Nascimento as a long-term replacement for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

Benzema is 34 years old already and Real Madrid are beginning to plan for a future without the France international striker.

Real Madrid scout Juni Calafat recommended the 18 year old Nascimento as an ideal replacement for Benzema in future.

Calafat was successful in bringing Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes and Fede Valverde to Real Madrid, three key players in Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

The 18 year old Nascimento currently plays for Brazilian club Botafogo.

Nascimento is yet to become a regular starter in the Botafogo team due to his young age but the Brazilian club is pushing the striker gradually into their team as he is highly-rated.

Should Nascimento sign for Real Madrid, he would initially play for Real Madrid Castilla, a team coached by club legend Raúl.

As was also the case with his compatriots Vinícius, Rodrygo and Reinier, Matheus is a player who would need a period of adaptation in the Castilla squad. 

According to the scout report on Matheus Nascimento, the 18 year old is similar to Benzema who combines goals and build-up play, than out-and-out strikers such as Luka Jovic and Mariano Díaz.

He is a tall yet agile player with good technique and is very good at linking up play.

Matheus Nascimento’s contract with Botafogo runs until 2023 and it has a release clause of €50million.

Matheus made his Botafogo first-team debut on 6 September 2021, coming on in the 80th minute of a 2-2 home draw with Corinthians.

He was just 16 years, six months and three days old when he made his Botafogo debut, making him their youngest ever debutant.

He scored more than 150 goals for Botafogo at age-group level, and has netted twice since making his first senior appearance.