As the summer transfer window nears, Real Madrid’s plans to bolster their squad are becoming more defined. While the first team remains focused on its ongoing season, Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez are diligently assessing potential signings to enhance Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup.
The club has pinpointed key positions to strengthen, with full-backs, central defense, and midfield being top priorities. However, replacing Toni Kroos, who has been a central figure in the midfield for years, stands as one of their most significant challenges.
The Hunt for Kroos’ Successor
Kroos’ exceptional technical skills and unique playing style have made him an irreplaceable part of Madrid’s midfield. Ancelotti himself has admitted that finding a direct replacement will be difficult:
“There isn’t a player with Kroos’s exact qualities on the market, but we must find a way to replace him. We have midfielders with great potential, and we’ll need to adapt next season to fit their strengths.”
Despite these challenges, Real Madrid has been considering options, with Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich emerging as a consistent target. Known for his versatility and passing ability, Kimmich was seen as one of the few players who could bring similar attributes to Madrid’s midfield.
Why Madrid Walked Away from Kimmich
At first, Kimmich seemed like a viable option, especially with his Bayern Munich contract expiring in June 2025. The possibility of signing him for free was enticing to many top clubs, including Real Madrid.
However, according to journalist Miguel Serrano from ‘OKD,’ a combination of factors led the club to shift away from the pursuit:
- Age Concerns: Kimmich will be turning 30 this year, and Madrid is more inclined to invest in younger players who can provide long-term value.
- Salary Demands: Kimmich’s expected salary, including a signing bonus, would place him among the club’s highest earners, just behind Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr.
- Bayern’s Renewal Efforts: Bayern Munich moved swiftly to secure Kimmich with a new contract through 2029, solidifying his role as their midfield leader.
Madrid’s Transfer Strategy: Avoiding Short-Term Fixes
Florentino Pérez has made it clear that the club won’t jeopardize its financial balance for quick fixes. Despite Kimmich’s quality, Real Madrid prefers to invest in younger talents with long-term potential, rather than committing to an aging player on a hefty contract.
This decision aligns with the club’s recent approach, which has prioritized signing emerging stars like Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham, instead of going for high-cost, aging players.
What’s Next for Madrid’s Midfield?
With Kimmich now off the table, Real Madrid will continue their search for a player who can complement their midfield in the post-Kroos era. Whether the solution comes from an internal promotion or a future signing remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Madrid will take their time and will not disrupt their financial strategy for any player.
