Real Madrid News
Two reasons behind Real Madrid veteran’s delayed decision to renew his contract – report
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos’s decision around his future has been one of football’s most discussed topics this year. There is no doubt that the German midfielder is still one of the very best in the business, and for him to retire at just 33 appeared to be a hasty option.
Real Madrid fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Fabrizio Romano has reported that Kroos has already signed the contract to stay at the club for one more year.
However, the decision was not as simple from the player’s perspective. Sergio Santos brings forth the various factors that influenced Kroos’s decision and the reasons behind his idea of retiring.
According to the Spanish journalist, one of the main reasons behind the German’s prolonged vacillation was his physical condition.
Given his age and regular playing time, the veteran felt more discomfort at the end of games and a longer time to recuperate from the strain. Such fitness issues have been especially localised to sites where he has suffered injuries before including his groin and hamstring.
Looking at his fitness record and physical sensation in recent months, however, Kroos appears to have churned the confidence that he has another season in his tank.
The other factor influencing his decision has been the radical change in position. A deeper look into Real Madrid’s recent heavy clashes shows that Carlo Ancelotti has deployed the German as a defensive midfielder.
Not only was this the case in El Clasico but also in the UEFA Champions League against Chelsea earlier this month. He is now counted ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni in the defensive midfield role as per the report.
The idea of playing as a pivot appeals to Kroos given the reduced mobility asked of him on the field. Needless to say, the shift towards a deeper position on the field was thus critical.
“Everything is on the right track, but I also respect what the club wants: how and when it communicates,” the 33-year-old told the media after Real Madrid’s recent game against Chelsea, thus confirming the reports.
Needless to say, Real Madrid could have asked for nothing more heading into the 2023/24 season.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
