Toni Kroos will go down as one of the greatest midfielders in Real Madrid's history and the German is quite possibly irreplacable. But the club haven't come close to doing so ever since he hung up his boots after the 2023-24 season.
It feels as though Madrid didn't realise just how much of an impact losing Kroos would be and are feeling the consequences of their ignorance. This was pointed out by Xabi Alonso to the recruitment staff last summer but his push for Martin Zubimendi fell on deaf ears.
The club are expected to be busy this summer and one of their main focuses will be to sign a new midfielder of Kroos' profile. It seems they are now intent on finding the closest thing to the iconic German.
Real Madrid eyeing Toni Kroos heir
Madrid needs a new creative outlet in the middle of the park and a playmaker who brings coherence and fluidity to the side. Their scouts are now eyeing Aleksandar Pavlovic and Florentino Perez feels the Bayern Munich youngster is the "perfect complement to his current stars."
According to Fichajes, the club believes Pavlovic's arrival could boost those of Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. It could also help Jude Bellingham have more attacking freedom and refind the inspired form of his debut campaign.
Pavlovic is one of Europe's most exciting talents and has been compared to Kroos. He is reportedly valued at around €80 million which is a fee that doesn't put Los Blancos off.
The 21-year-old's contract with Bayern expires in 2029 and negotiations with Bayern for one of their star men won't be easy. But it's a transfer that could take inspiration from the one which saw Kroos arrive at the Bernabeu from the Allianz Arena back in 2014.
Pavlovic has been tipped to become Kroos' heir back in his homeland with German football expert Tom Weber writing for FootballTransfers:
“Aleksandr Pavlovic was hailed as Germany's heir to Toni Kroos by BILD shortly after breaking onto the scene at Bayern in 2023/24... Fast forward a couple of seasons and the 21-year-old is a full-fledged Germany international and there are certainly shades of Kroos in the way he goes about his business. Calm in possession, Pavlovic has an eye for a pass. "
Pavlovic has made 27 appearances across competitions this season, posting two goals and one assist. He's a key man under Vincent Kompany and has won the Bundesliga twice.
Pavlovic: My idol was Kroos
Madrid could have an advantage in a potential pursuit of Pavlovic because the German youngster looked up to Kroos during his childhood. He revealed this when representing Germany alongside the legendary midfielder at Euro 2024 (via Bavarian Football Works):
“Definitely Toni Kroos (my idol). I love the way he plays... It’s crazy (being able to play with Kroos for Germany). Also, that I can now be here with the national team, play for the FC Bayern first team, and gain experience like in the Champions League semi-final against Real at the Bernabéu. I’m living my dream and am very grateful for everything.”
Kroos retired at the Euros that year and Germany look likely to move forward with Pavlovic as his replacement. Madrid may also feel the Bayern star is the perfect solution to their glaring need of a Kroos-like profile.