Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran coy on future as contract expiry nears: “No decision at the moment”
With Real Madrid’s win over Al-Hilal in the final of the Club World Cup, Toni Kroos became the first player in history to lift the famed trophy six times. The German icon has broken several records in the past, but Saturday’s accomplishment truly shows why he will go down as one of the greatest ever.
Unlike his Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, however, Kroos does not wish to play deep into his thirties and prefers an exit while at the top. His firm stance on an early retirement has thus thrown Real Madrid’s plans of renewing his contract into jeopardy.
The former Bayern Munich man spoke to the media after his team’s win in Morocco and opened up on about the status of his future, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo.
“If there is something official you will know for sure. There are different things that you have to think about if you want to continue or not. I have to be honest. The decision will not take long. At the moment there is no decision, but we are calm because neither party will do nonsense,” he said.
Ironically, Carlo Ancelotti gave a contrasting statement after the win last night, stating that there was no ambiguity left in Kroos’ mind.
“Kroos has already decided everything,” he said.
At 33 years of age, the midfielder can manage to sustain at the highest level for another two seasons at least. His continuity would not only be a big boost for Ancelotti’s plans next season but would also help ease the transition to the upcoming crop of young midfielders.
In 17 league games for the Merengues this season, Kroos has scored two goals and provided two assists. He averages a mammoth 89 touches per game and has created five big chances in the league.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
