Last summer, Real Madrid fans paid tribute to their great midfield genius, Toni Kroos. The German polished and placed his boots on the shelf, for Kroos it was not an option to play football after ten years at the world’s best club. The Real fans didn’t think anything more about it, they had got Kylian Mbappe. With this, the world’s best club would become invincible. It ended with a season without titles and the realization of what a crucial role Kroos played in Real Madrid’s success over the past ten years. Now this will be corrected, but it may take time.
Unsurprisingly, Xabi Alonso has prioritised signing a new midfielder as the next big move in the transfer market. Even with Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono in place this summer, a worthy Kroos replacement should and must be in place, reports Diario AS. The challenge is to find the right one.
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Manchester City star Rodri is still the favourite, but Real have also looked at Nicolo Barella, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister. The trio has been dropped in a row, after all have long-term contracts. Rodri’s contract with Manchester City expires in 2027, giving Madrid hope that they can tempt him away from the Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid are closely monitoring Rodri’s situation, but remain sceptical due to his recent serious knee injury that left the Spanish star out of action for nine months. Rodri also suffered another setback at the Club World Cup, meaning Los Blancos could be forced to wait. The crater left by Toni Kroos is still open. In addition, Real will get to test themselves this season without Luka Modric.
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