Real Madrid News
Toni Kroos believes €85 million German wonderkid would fit in well at Real Madrid
Real Madrid prides itself on being an institution where talent is not only recognised but also elevated to its zenith.
What particularly sets the Merengues apart from the rest is their unwavering commitment to harbouring the very best talents in world football.
With the intention of housing the best players, stars across Europe resultantly enter the club’s crosshairs.
One such player who is currently taking Europe by storm is Florian Wirtz, as his impressive season with Bayer Leverkusen has seen him linked with heavyweights of world football, including Real Madrid.
Now, adding fuel to the fire, Toni Kroos has showered praise on the prodigy, claiming he would be a valid candidate to don the esteemed Royal White jersey.
Kroos praises German counterpart
According to MARCA, Kroos was asked to name players who have the potential to play for Real Madrid, to which he replied:
“Which players have the potential to play for Real Madrid? I should have a more global vision, but I think of Florian Wirtz. I think he could fit.”
Having marked an era at Real Madrid, praise from Kroos is indicative of the immense talents of Wirtz, who is currently enjoying a tremendous season in the Bundesliga.
The 20-year-old suffered a long-term injury last season but is back on the side now and sitting comfortably in first place with Bayer Leverkusen.
In his last 17 games, the German international has contributed to a whopping 16 goals.
Recognizing the strides he has made, Kroos’ approval is simply a testament to the incredible potential of Wirtz.
Wirtz would cost big money
With the 33-year-old entering arguably his final season at the club, the possibility of him passing on the baton to Wirtz next summer is certainly on the cards.
But with Wirtz’s contract expiring in 2027 and his starting price of approximately €85 million, signing him will require great financial effort.
Moreover, the talented youngster has attracted interest from a variety of top clubs, and thus competition for his potential signature would be a pre-requisite.
Nico Paz was long hyped as Real Madrid Castilla’s brightest upcoming star. The media constantly kept the spotlight on the young Argentine through pre-season as he made a strong impression under Carlo Ancelotti in preseason.
His breakthrough eventually arrived, courtesy of Real Madrid’s injury crisis. He has now made two appearances for the team in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League and even recorded his first goal for the club earlier this week against Napoli.
Taking his chances
As revealed by AS (h/t The Madrid Zone), Paz has impressed management with his cameo against Napoli and will be called up for Real Madrid’s clash against Granada tomorrow.
In fact, there is a good chance he sees significant game time on the night.
After all, Ancelotti is without the likes of Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in the middle of the park.
With Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham filling the starting spots, Paz serves as the manager’s first-choice backup off the bench.
Paz voices his elation
Paz’s introduction against Napoli changed the texture of the game, and it was only poetic that he got the goal that put Real Madrid ahead again on the night.
Speaking to the media after his special night, the Castilla star did not hold back on his emotions.
“This is a dream. For a moment I didn’t even believe it. Very happy to be able to help the team. I dared. I was in automatic mode, I didn’t even know what I was doing. I hit it and well.”
“This is also a message for the other youth players: it is possible to get there. Ancelotti congratulated me, and the whole staff. They are an incredible group and I want to thank them all,” he added, urging his Castilla teammates to keep pushing.
