Real Madrid News
Real Madrid draw up two-man shortlist as Toni Kroos successor – report
Real Madrid’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal has sparked serious reflection within the club.
The heavy 1-5 aggregate defeat in the quarterfinals has not only disappointed fans but also raised concerns about the current direction of the project under Carlo Ancelotti.
Now, according to a report from Cadena SER, relayed by Real Madrid Confidencial, the club has started planning for the future, especially in midfield.
With Toni Kroos having retired at the end of last season, the need for a capable successor has become more urgent than ever.
As a result, the absence of a like-for-like replacement for Kroos has been felt in the biggest moments.
Two targets in sight
The report suggests that Real Madrid have two main names in mind as potential successors—Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad and Manchester City star Rodri. However, both options come with complications.
To begin with, Zubimendi appears to be on his way to Arsenal, who are reportedly well advanced in talks to sign the Spaniard.
Rodri, on the other hand, would be an ideal signing, but his price tag and importance to Pep Guardiola’s system make the move highly unlikely at this stage.
High time Madrid reinforce the midfield
The midfield has long been one of Real Madrid’s strongest areas, but as the transition from the old guard continues, the need for fresh energy and new leadership in the middle of the park is growing.
With Luka Modric also nearing the end of his career, the club’s hierarchy is actively exploring the market.
Beyond transfers, there are deeper concerns. Ancelotti’s tenure, although decorated with success, appears to be running out of steam.
A growing sense of fatigue with the Italian’s approach is being felt, and it is becoming clear that some key decisions need to be made this summer.
Regardless of what trophies are won, change seems inevitable. Whether it is a new midfield general or a shift in the dugout, Real Madrid are preparing for a significant reset.
After three successive wins to start the season, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis came as a reality check for Real Madrid, who are still some way off matching the quality and consistency of Barcelona.
In light of the defeat, the Real Madrid coaching staff is analysing the best way to get the most out of the current setup.
More expected from Valverde
According to Defensa Central, one of the key conclusions drawn from the Betis defeat is that Real Madrid need greater involvement from Federico Valverde with the ball.
The Uruguayan has been deployed as the pivot, largely due to the absence of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, but he is yet to make the step up in quality the team requires from that role.
While his effort and commitment are never in doubt, Mourinho and his staff, led by Sami Khedira, feel Valverde spends too much time positioned behind the opposition’s midfield line.
As a result, he fails to offer passing lanes to his teammates when they are under pressure, forcing them into hurried, aimless clearances rather than playing out cleanly from the back.
That concern has already been communicated to Valverde, who is still adapting to a position he has never truly played, making the challenge all the more difficult for him.
A collective issue to fix
However, the problem is not Valverde’s alone, with the coaching staff identifying a wider issue in the team’s structure.
Khedira has reportedly noted a certain passivity from the attackers in the videos of the match, particularly Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, when it comes to offering themselves as the ball transitions from midfield into attacking areas.
That lack of movement compounds the difficulties for the deeper midfielders.
Mourinho, for his part, remains unfazed by the departure of Rodri to Barcelona, insisting his squad has the tools to cope.
“I’m not missing Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality,” the Portuguese said, before adding that he backs his ability to improve players.
With a Champions League opener against Inter Milan on the horizon, Mourinho and his staff will be keen to iron out these issues quickly.
