Kroos revealed he will retire from club football at the end of the season when his contract expires, and from international football after Euro 2024.
The Germany international midfielder’s departure leaves a significant gap in Madrid’s midfield.
Real Madrid are considering Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Manchester City’s Rodrigo Hernández as potential replacements, according to Spanish media outlet AS.
Kimmich, 29, is nearing the end of his contract with Bayern Munich, which expires in 2025. His future remains uncertain, and he has expressed openness to moving to either Real Madrid or Barcelona.
The versatile midfielder is a long-time target for Real Madrid and has 20 titles with Bayern, including the 2020 Champions League. His skills and experience make him a strong candidate to fill Kroos’s shoes.
Rodrigo, also known as Rodri, is another option for Real Madrid. The 27-year-old Manchester City midfielder, and Spain’s national team captain, has a contract running until 2027.
He has had a stellar season, finishing fifth in the Ballon d’Or and scoring the decisive goal in last year’s Champions League final. However, negotiating his transfer would be challenging due to his importance to City.
Both players would be significant acquisitions, with Kimmich potentially costing around 60-70 million euros. Despite the cost, Kimmich’s qualities and experience make him a highly attractive option. Meanwhile, Rodrigo’s immediate performance potential and Spanish roots add to his appeal.
With Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni already settled in Madrid, Real are in no rush to find a successor for Kroos.