Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar pondering the idea of retirement, wants to ‘go out on top’ – report
As veteran midfielder Toni Kroos continues to refuse to enter into contract negotiations, Real Madrid are beginning to realize that he might hang up his boots for the good by the end of the season, which is when his ongoing deal with the club expires.
Kroos, 32, joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2014 and has been a loyal servant of the team ever since, playing a big role in as many as three La Liga and four UEFA Champions League triumphs.
However, as reported by Spanish publication Diario AS, on their YouTube channel, Real Madrid are beginning to hear that the midfielder could retire at the end of the season which is why the name of Joao Gomes of Flamengo has come to light.
As reported by the aforementioned outlet, the midfielder’s idea behind considering retirement is to end his career on top rather than continuing until his body gives up. It is believed that he does not want to play past the age of 34.
Furthermore, he also wants to open up space for the new generation and stepping aside will create a path for the young talents to get into the starting XI rather easily. This way, the talents in question will have great exposure which will be equally good for their progression.
The 32-year-old, who has made more than 40 appearances for Real in each of his last eight seasons, is still a vital member of Carlo Ancelotti’s blueprint. However, should the midfielder decide to call it time on his career, Real Madrid are expected to go for Flamengo’s Joao Gomes.
The 21-year-old is expected to cost a sum of €60 million. But Liverpool are also said to be monitoring his situation and are serious about landing the Brazilian prodigy.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
