As the summer transfer window approaches, Real Madrid’s strategy for squad reinforcement is becoming clearer. While the first team remains focused on their demanding schedule, behind the scenes, Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez are carefully evaluating potential signings to strengthen Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
The club has identified key positions to address, with full-backs, central defense, and midfield being the primary areas of concern. However, replacing Toni Kroos, who has been the team’s midfield maestro for years, remains one of the biggest challenges.
The Search for Kroos’ Successor
Kroos’ technical mastery and unique playing style have made him an irreplaceable figure in Madrid’s midfield. Ancelotti himself acknowledged the difficulty of finding a like-for-like replacement:
“There is no player with Kroos’s characteristics in the market, but we have to replace him in another way. We have midfielders with a lot of quality, and we have to adapt next season’s game to their characteristics.”
Despite this, Real Madrid explored options, and one name consistently linked to the club was Joshua Kimmich. The Bayern Munich star, known for his versatility and passing ability, was seen as one of the few players capable of bringing similar qualities to Madrid’s midfield.
Why Did Madrid Reject Kimmich?
Initially, Kimmich seemed like a realistic option, especially as his contract with Bayern Munich was set to expire in June 2025. The prospect of signing him on a free transfer was an attractive proposition for many top clubs, including Real Madrid.
However, as reported by journalist Miguel Serrano from ‘OKD’, several factors led Madrid to abandon the pursuit:
• Age Concerns: Kimmich will turn 30 years old this year, and Madrid prefers to invest in younger talents who can offer long-term value.
• High Salary Demands: His wage demands, including a signing bonus, would have placed him among the top earners at the club, only behind Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr.
• Bayern’s Contract Renewal Push: The German club moved aggressively to extend his contract until 2029, ensuring he remains their midfield leader.
Madrid’s Transfer Policy: No Room for Short-Term Fixes
Florentino Pérez has made it clear that Real Madrid will not compromise their financial structure for short-term solutions. Despite Kimmich’s proven quality, the club prefers to invest in younger players with long-term potential rather than commit to an aging midfielder on a lucrative contract.
This decision aligns with Madrid’s recent transfer philosophy, which focuses on securing young, world-class talents like Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham, rather than making high-cost moves for players nearing their 30s.
What’s Next for Madrid’s Midfield?
With Kimmich out of the equation, Madrid will continue their search for the right profile to complement their midfield for the post-Kroos era. Whether that comes from an internal promotion or a future signing, one thing is clear—Real Madrid will not rush into any decisions, nor will they break their financial structure for any player.
