Table of Contents
- Toni Kroos inspired Real Madrid to their 15th European Cup last season
- Carlo Ancelotti’s team have struggled in Europe since the German great retired
- This Man City team is DONE and Pep Guardiola has been sleeping on the job – LISTEN NOW It’s all starting! New episodes every Monday and Thursday.
Real Madrid are stepping up their search for a replacement for Toni Kroos and have reportedly identified three Premier League stars as targets.
Kroos announced his shock exit from football at the age of 34 earlier this year and retired from club football in style by leading Madrid to a 15th European Cup with a victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in June.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have struggled in Europe this season without the German talisman – losing three of their five games in the Champions League this season. They are also one point behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
And with Real’s season at stake, Madrid newspaper AS Diary who has strong links with the club, has revealed the players on Ancelotti’s shopping list.
Curtis Jones, Liverpool
Jones has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season and, significantly, starred against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Toni Kroos retired in style by winning the European Cup with Real Madrid at Wembley
Carlo Ancelotti’s team has struggled in the Champions League without the German talisman
Curtis Jones won the midfield battle when Liverpool played Real Madrid
The 23-year-old kept fellow England international Jude Bellingham quiet in an action-packed display and is his country’s leading passer of the ball, having completed a higher percentage of passes (94.8 per cent) than his rivals.
Rodri, Manchester City
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is an obvious candidate to replace Kroos and Real Madrid will hope the current turmoil at Manchester City can help tempt Rodri to Madrid.
The 28-year-old’s influence on the Premier League champions has been no more evident than his absence with a torn ACL since September. Rodri is the glue that holds Manchester City together, just like Kroos was.
Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea
Chelsea spent a British record transfer fee of £107m in January 2023 and this season it is becoming clear why.
An injured Rodri shows his Ballon d’Or to the Manchester City fans
Enzo Fernández celebrates his goal against Aston Villa, his second in consecutive games
Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich is a proven player both domestically and internationally.
The Argentine scored his second goal in consecutive games against Aston Villa on Sunday and even wore the captain’s armband, a sign of how important he is becoming in an improving Chelsea side.
Fernandez’s remarkable eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2032, so a monster transfer fee would be required to bring him to Madrid.
Joshua Kimmich and Vitinha
Outside of the Premier League, Real are also keeping a close eye on Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinha.
Kimmich’s contract expires at the end of the season and negotiations are at a standstill. The 29-year-old has proven his worth for both club and country and would be a safe bet.
PSG’s Vitinha, 24, has a contract with his club until 2027 and is valued at around £45m.
