Real Madrid should keep going after Bayern Munich free agents, but absolutely not this one

Real Madrid made two of the best moves of the 2021 summer transfer window, even though they struck out on Kylian Mbappe due to PSG digging their heels in. Not only did Los Blancos snag a star of the future in midfield in Eduardo Camavinga for just 30 million euros, but they also signed world-class center back David Alaba from Bayern Munich for free. And he has fit the club like a glove.

Signing Bayern stars has gone well for Los Blancos. Beyond Alaba, Real Madrid have benefited greatly from Toni Kroos in midfield. He has been one of the best midfielders of his generation while at Real, winning three straight Champions Leagues and elevating his game further over the past couple of seasons.

Looking at the possible 2023 summer window’s free agents, Bayern have three notable names who have been linked to Los Blancos in rumors of varying strengths. All will be free agents. And all are forwards in Serge Gnabry, Robert Lewandowski, and Kingsley Coman.

But Real Madrid have also been linked to an impending Bayern Munich free agent for the 2022 summer transfer window.

Corentin Tolisso’s camp thinks he could go to Real Madrid

According to Carrusel’s Bruno Alemany, the entourage of Bayern midfielder Corentin Tolisso is of the belief that their client will end up at Real Madrid for the 2022-2023 season, though they also believe a Premier League club could be Tolisso’s ultimate destination.

Madrid signing Tolisso? That would be news to me. Over the past couple of years, I have never heard a single legitimate rumor linking Los Blancos to the French midfielder, and that is notable because there are usually frequent rumors linking a club to a known free agent if there is smoke. For example, we have seen David Alaba, Kylian Mbappe, and now Antonio Rudiger rumors for about a year before the official expiry of the player’s contract.

So this report seems more like a well-placed leak from Tolisso’s camp in an effort to try to boost their client’s stock in the media. Because needless to say, Tolisso would be a horrible signing and fit for Real Madrid.

Los Blancos have already seemingly ruled out a splashier free-agent midfield signing in the 2022 summer window, Paul Pogba. So why would they want to sign Tolisso, who is 27 years old and has serious consistency concerns?

Real Madrid must focus on youth

Tolisso was once Bayern’s record signing and a top-class midfielder. A Lyon prospect, Tolisso looked like he could be a world-class midfielder, but a torn ACL forever altered his career. Sadly, Tolisso has never been the same since.

This season, the Frenchman has played a little over 500 minutes between the Bundesliga and Champions League, completing around 90 percent of his passes in both competitions with an assist in each. Perhaps, he is beginning to find a way to be an effective rotational piece, picking up a new playing style to adjust later in his career.

However, Real Madrid are moving in a different direction based on youth and dynamism with players like Fede Valverde, Antonio Blanco, and Camavinga set to become the future. If they do sign a midfielder, someone of the profile of Aurelien Tchouameni would make more sense vs. someone like Tolisso, even if he would be free.

Remember, free agents are not without risk, especially free agents with an injury history who are nearing 30. Tolisso is already someone Juventus analysts would like to avoid since he is reminiscent of past mistakes in midfield. And if he is not good enough for Juve, who are headed for the Europa League post-Cristiano Ronaldo, then he is surely not right for Real. Tolisso’s agents should pin their hopes elsewhere, though the right Premier League side may not be a bad landing spot for the Bayern backup.