It has been one full year since Toni Kroos retired. It was after the Real Madrid legend's loss to Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 that sealed his career as a footballer.
He was always brilliant, but the way he retired left an everlasting mark with the fans, and an everlasting need of a profile like him at the club.
Real Madrid have not been the same since his retirement. They find it difficult to control games now, and even though it has slightly improved under Xabi Alonso, there is still a long way to go.
After looking for a replacement for Kroos and realising there isn't one, Real Madrid quickly covered other needs. Now, according to AS, they have started looking at a player to replace Kroos, and the name will blow fans' minds.
Real Madrid are looking at Ballon d'Or winner Rodri to replace Kroos at Real Madrid, per report. They are also looking at Enzo Fernandez, Nico Barella and Alexis Mac Allister, but understand that Rodri might be their best bet.
Rodri is an exceptional player, but there are so many factors to consider
That is what they are aiming for in terms of financial reasons as well. Rodri's current contract expires in 2027, and if the player decides to leave next season, Manchester City could be in a position where they would have to let go of the player for a reasonable price.
The only problem they have with Rodri is how the player will return from his ACL injury. He was out for nine whole months, and only just started playing towards the end of last season's Premier League campaign.
They would want to see the sporting side of this, before they try to make any move for the Spanish superstar.
To be honest, there is one more thing that Real Madrid will have to consider. Rodri is 29, and for a midfielder of his age, the age is actually on the greener side, which is good.
However, they may sign him next season, when he is 30, and that does not sit right with me considering Real Madrid rarely do so.
29 is the latest we have seen Real Madrid sign a player permanently, which was Antonio Rudiger in 2023.
If they were to sign the player, this would be the right age to do so, but 30 may be a bit too far. Or even 31, when he would be a free agent according to his current contract.
Rodri is exceptional, there are no doubts about that. It is just a matter of age and whether he comes back from his injury the same. He would no doubt elevate the team's performances if he joins; they just want it to happen for a longer period of time.