Real Madrid rival Liverpool for 'long-term Kroos replacement'

Tom Weber

30 Dec 2024 10:00 CST
3 min read

Real Madrid are back in the race for Martin Zubimendi in their search for a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos, according to Spanish media.

Los Blancos have struggled to cope with the retirement of the legendary midfielder. Kroos gave Real Madrid a balance that they have so far not been able to recapture and their season has suffered as a consequence.

Article continues under the video

Though recent results have improved, Carlo Ancelotti's men expected this campaign to go much smoother. The middle of the park has been disrupted this season as Aurelien Tchouameni has dealt with injuries while also having to deputise in defence once again.

Eduardo Camavinga has not always been at his best and he too has had fitness issues. Luke Modric is not getting any younger and even the always-reliable Federico Valverde recently started making uncharacteristic mistakes.

Naturally, then, Real Madrid chiefs believe that another midfield option, someone who can be a more direct replacement for Kroos, is needed.

Real Madrid back in for Zubimendi

According to AS, this has led Los Blancos back to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, whom they have admired for some time. However, the Spanish champions were previously told the same as all of his other suitors: he is not leaving his boyhood club.

However, the stance of Zubimendi appears to have softened significantly and there is a feeling that he could be ready to leave Real Sociedad in 2025, which has piqued the interest of Real Madrid.

Of course, the Euro 2024 winner also has admirers elsewhere. Despite getting rejected in the summer, Liverpool remain interested, while Arsenal and Man City have also at various times been linked with the Basque midfielder.

It is well-known that Zubimendi is, in theory, relatively attainable as he has a value-for-money release clause of €60 million. The challenge could, however, once again be convincing him to make the move.