David Beckham and the Beginning of "Galacticos II"

The month of June 2009 is witness to the beginning of the most eventful and expensive transfer window in football history.

There is still a long way to go before the deadline, but some of the biggest names have already signed contracts with new clubs or are on the verge of doing so.

As always, there are rumor wagons making their way around the internet. One such rumor claims David Beckham will be a part of the phenomenon called "Galacticos II."

While it is highly unlikely that would happen, Beckham has to be credited for what has already been a prolific career. From Manchester United to Real Madrid and then a short stint at AC Milan, the man has a resume that only a selected few can rival.

A majority of the initial set of Galacticos have either retired or are at the fag end of their playing careers. But, if his performance with AC Milan is anything to go by, Beckham definitely has a long way to go before he calls it a day.

Far away from Los Angeles and the MLS, across the Atlantic Ocean, there is an army of superstars being put together in Madrid. The new men at the Santiago Bernabéu have already been christened by followers as "Galacticos II."

One cannot rule out the possibility of Beckham locking horns with his successors at Real Madrid—Kaka and Ronaldo. A friendly between LA Galaxy and Real Madrid or yet another spell in Europe which could result in a Champions League clash against the Spanish Giants.

Regardless of what the future holds, there is no arguing the fact that this year's transfer saga has had its share of protagonists. From a club president to managers and players alike, everyone is hogging the limelight.

If there is one man that has had a close association with all the big names making headlines this month, it is Beckham.

Let's take a closer look at how his links with the other men have formed over the years.

Sir Alex Ferguson

A young David Beckham appeared on the scene in the 1992-93 season with Manchester United. Under the watchful eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson, the youngster went through three seasons of grooming, including a short loan spell at Preston North End before he became a regular in the starting line up.

The rest is history, as they say. The manager-player duo were as formidable a pair as they come in football and their association at Old Trafford lasted just over a decade.

Time had come for Beckham to move on to other challenges in Europe. However, during his tenure at Old Trafford, Beckham definitely upheld the legacy of the No. 7 jersey of Manchester United. The jersey was worn by the likes of George Best, Bryan Robson and Eric Cantona prior to David Beckham.

Florentino Pérez

In 2003, what inspired Beckham's move from Man United was the ambition of one man—Florentino Perez. At the helm of Real Madrid, he had a dream and the financial muscle to turn it into a reality. Doing whatever it takes to bring the best in the world to Madrid was his motto.

What followed was an era of the Galacticos—a team constituting the likes of Zinedine Zidance, Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, Raul and David Beckham. They did not disappoint and the fans at the Bernabéu were obviously ecstatic.

Reinstated as the president of Real Madrid in 2009, Perez has shown that old habits are hard to break with a shopping spree at the transfer market. A price tag of 62 million pounds and 80 million pounds for Kaka and Ronaldo respectively are a strong signal of intent.

He is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for "Galacticos II."

Cristiano Ronaldo

While Beckham was reveling in his new role as a Galactico, a Portuguese youngster was ready to step into his shoes at Manchester United. Christiano Ronaldo became the man to shoulder the responsibility of the famed No. 7 jersey of Manchester United.

Whenever a new player is bestowed with the Man United No. 7, there are speculations whether he can live up to the expectations that come along with it. Sooner than later, Ronaldo destroyed any remaining doubts by playing a new brand of attractive, eye-catching football.

Ronaldo won over fans from around the world with skills that flummoxed opposition and spectators alike. Voted FIFA World Player of the Year 2008, he has no qualms in voicing his opinion about being second to none in the world.

But with mind blowing performances on the pitch and statistics to prove it on paper, one has no choice but to brush aside the arrogance and admire the man for his abilities on the football pitch.

Ronaldo spent six seasons with Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. He is currently making headlines around the world as the most expensive player in transfer history with a price tag of 80 million pounds.

Carlo Ancelotti

After a couple of seasons away from the European scene, David Beckham began training with teams in Europe during the MLS offseason.

Carlo Ancelotti was quick to pounce on an opportunity to use Beckham's ability and experience in his favor. The LA Galaxy man was offered a loan spell with AC Milan.

Beckham used his time in Italy to rebuild the confidence of England manager Fabio Capello proving he still has what it takes to play for the national team in the FIFA World Cup 2010 to be held in South Africa.

During the loan spell with AC Milan, Beckham formed a strong bond with AC Milan and Club Manager Ancelotti. This bond fueled rumors of Beckham's return to AC Milan on a permanent move.

However, Ancelotti himself moved to Chelsea and Leonardo took over the reigns at AC Milan. With a new manager comes new initiatives and it is anybody's guess right now if Beckham is on Leonardo's radar or not.

Kaka

During his rejuvenating time with AC Milan, Beckham had the opportunity to rub shoulders with Brazilian superstar Kaka. The two together were a powerful combination in midfield.

Voted FIFA World Player of the Year 2007, Kaka spent six seasons with AC Milan and Carlo Ancelotti.

His recent transfer to Real Madrid cost the Spanish Club 62 million pounds, a record that was almost immediately overpowered by Cristiano Ronaldo's price tag of 80 million pounds.

This year's transfer window was slammed wide open by Gareth Barry, only to be shattered by Kaka and Ronaldo later on.

Living The American Dream

To be considered regularly for the English National Team, David Beckham can benefit from playing in Europe. If Beckham plays for AC Milan again, he will be doing so without Ancelotti and Kaka alongside him.

Beckham hasn't ruled out the possibility of returning to the EPL. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is apparently interested in the English midfielder.

For those who like fairy tales, imagine a Beckham, Perez, Kaka, and Ronaldo union at the Santiago Bernabéu.

All said and done however, Beckham has publicly stated his commitment to stick with LA Galaxy and its fans for now.