Real Madrid: 3 options for depth signings in midfield after Toni Kroos injury
Toni Kroos, one of Real Madrid’s holy trinity in Midfield was diagnosed with a pubalgia. The same was confirmed by the medical report that the club’s website released on August 3. From whatever could be gathered about the injury through Kroos’s social media activity, it seems like a prolonged issue and that he has chosen to treat it. The minimum time off is expected to be at least six weeks.
Being cautious about a serious injury problem sure sounds like a good decision for Kroos. However, something that this incident highlights is that Real Madrid could be handier with some depth in their squad.
Castilla midfielders like Antonio Blanco and Sergio Arribas are great players but they’d have their commitments with the Castilla side. Moreover, Isco hasn’t worked through his problems. His display in the first friendly against Rangers was evident of the same. Luka Modric is one of the club’s oldest veterans and will need some sort of rotation. The job simply cannot fall upon Martin Odegaard alone.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to keep options open for a midfield move as well. Nothing could be said for sure about Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland’s move happening this summer. Los Blancos may as well find a long over-due third attacking player of the future midfield trio. Here are my three picks for a depth addition to Real’s midfield.
3. Lille CM Renato Sanches
Renato Sanches was among the discussions after the recently concluded European Championships. Although his side, Portugal couldn’t advance past Belgium in the competition’s Round of 16, Sanches undoubtedly was Portugal’s bright spot in midfield. Currently valued at 30 million euros by Transfermarkt, Sanches could be a great depth addition.
Of his many abilities, his ball-keepings speaks the loudest for sure. It was clearly visible in his Euro performances that landed him up in our list of impressive midfield transfers targets from the tournament. The most impressive trait about him was his mentality on the ball. He was among the very few on the Portuguese side who always looked to create a chance and take the ball forward as soon as he had it.
The only problem in realizing this move is that Sanches has finally found some stability in terms of his club career. Lille has been a home to him and his contract has two more years on it. That is not to say that the appeal of a club like Real Madrid wouldn’t change things. As clear as it may be with Real Madrid he would have better chances at gathering more prestigious silverware. He can be Real’s solution towards finding back their bench strength which right now is filled with out-of-favor campaigners like Isco or Asensio.