Gonzalo Higuain Transfer: Why It Would Be a Huge Mistake If Real Madrid Sold Him

Real Madrid's top priority heading into this summer is to ensure they retain the services of Gonzalo Higuain.

It seems a little unnatural that a backup player has fared so well in front of goal this season.

The term "backup" might seem a little hazy, however, as Higuain has by no means been the first choice over Karim Benzema, but describing him as nothing more than second-best to the Frenchman would be a huge disservice to his ability and contribution this season.

Yes, there could be departures in the form of either Kaka or Nuri Sahin, as both will be looking for much more playing time next season. But in retaining Higuain for the upcoming season, it will not only ensure Real Madrid have a trio who can collectively reach 100 goals (Higuain, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo), but it allows continuity with the attacking foundation that guided them to their first league title in four years.

Higuain's ambitions for regular playing time cannot be overlooked; both he and Benzema have been caught up in the past in a tussle between manager and club over who the favoured striker is. Clearly there's enough from this to suggest Higuain could lead the line for any club in world football.

Naturally, the young Argentine, who always looked comfortable at the Bernabeu since arriving at the club, was deemed the perfect replacement for the aging and eventually departing Raul. Jose Mourinho, on the other hand, wanted to keep faith with the struggling Benzema.

In much the same way Mourinho's squad offers him a good alternative in almost every position, the "coming good" of Benzema this season has really allowed this Real Madrid side to morph into the powerful juggernaut of this campaign.

The natural dynamics of both strikers has worked well with Madrid's blitzkrieg attacks, both together and as the lone striker, and it's something that may not be found so easily in a replacement should Higuain depart.

That, of course, is the most obvious problem for Mourinho and Madrid: How do you find a suitable candidate and then convince him to join the club with the knowledge that he won't be first choice?

Sergio Aguero has been on the radar, as have a number of Europe's other leading marksmen. But a good player is not always going to be a natural fit for Madrid. Moreover, how long will it take for any new arrival to settle into Spanish football and Mourinho's brand of the game?

A positive sign for the club has been the comments of Jose Mourinho stating Higuain would remain at the club going into next season.

There's an understanding from management, surely, that a player of Higuain's calibre will want much more playing time than he's been offered this season.

However, Mourinho's comments seemed to reassure that there was no issue of favouritism between the two strikers and that they would both continue to compete for games next season.

A positive stance for the club to look to maintain their hold on two of Europe's finest goal scorers, rather than opting for a replacement some levels below the quality at the Bernabeu.

Of course, it would be easier on the ear to simply bring in someone of lesser ability to ensure they know their place on bench. But naturally there would be a huge drop off in quality when that player comes in to play.

A more peaceful environment, maybe, but a huge compromise to the club's ambitions of building on their league success of this season.

PSG and Chelsea might be more than willing to launch huge sums of money over the fortified walls of the Bernabeu for some of Madrid's most prized assets. But there's very little guarantee that Madrid would be able to find such a natural compliment and a fitting piece to the Madrid attacking trident than Higuain.