Toni Kroos’s future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the central midfielder believed to be open to leaving Real Madrid during this summer’s transfer window.
The 32-year-old was again a vital player for Los Blancos during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring three goals and registering three assists in 44 appearances in all competitions.
However, Kroos’s current deal at Bernabeu is due to expire next summer, and a recent report claimed that the former Germany international is not interested in signing an extension.
There has since been a host of talk surrounding the midfielder’s future, and with that in mind, Sports Mole picks out three clubs that could sign the serial winner this summer.
Man United famously came close to signing Kroos from Bayern Munich in 2014, but David Moyes’s dismissal as head coach of the Red Devils saw the deal break down, with the midfielder instead joining Real Madrid.
The 20-time English champions could reignite their interest this summer, with SER Deportivos claiming that the club are keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding the German.
Man United are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements this summer, having allowed both Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba to leave, and it would not be a surprise to see two players in that area of the field arrive at the club before the end of the window.
Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong remains the priority, but a deal for Kroos certa inly makes sense, as the midfielder is still a world-class performer and would suit Ten Hag’s possession-based football.
Real Madrid are believed to be open to selling Kroos this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing next year, so Man United could make a move in the coming weeks.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola is also said to be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding Kroos, who has won three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns during his time in the Spanish capital.
According to TodoFichajes, Guardiola is ‘very aware’ of the German’s situation in Madrid and is open to bringing him to Manchester for the 2022-23 campaign.
Man City are believed to want a new central midfielder this summer, especially if Bernardo Silva leaves, with Fernandinho leaving the club on a free transfer.
A bid in the region of €20m (£17m) would reportedly be enough for Real Madrid to sell, should Kroos signal a desire to move on ahead of next season.
Chelsea continue to be linked with a number of central midfielders, with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho both out of contract next summer.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could also leave in the current market amid interest from a number of Italian clubs, so central midfield will seemingly be a priority position to strengthen.
Kroos was excellent in both legs of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea last season, and he is still capable of dominating matches at the highest level.
The midfielder would also fit into Thomas Tuchel’s style of play at Stamford Bridge, and he will feel that he still has three or four years left at the highest level.
The Blues have a number of other pressing concerns this summer, though, with the team’s defence and attack also in need of fresh faces ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.