Real Madrid are reportedly considering Joshua Kimmich as the long-term successor for Toni Kroos, with a move in 2022 being formulated.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid are closely monitoring the contract situation of Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich. The defending La Liga champions view the German international as a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos.
Kimmich has gone on to establish himself as one of the very best players in world football since breaking out at Bayern Munich under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. Initially starting out as a right-back, the German international has now become a phenomenal central midfielder, and perhaps the best in the game in his position.
Till date, the 26-year-old has turned out 253 times for Bayern Munich and has a fairly decent tally of 28 goals and 71 assists in those outings. However, with his deal running out in a little over two years’ time, potential suitors have their sights firmly set on his contract situation. One such club is Real Madrid.
For years, Real Madrid have boasted of perhaps, the best midfield trio in the world in Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric. However, none of the three players is getting any younger, with Modric in the twilight of his career while Kroos turned 31 this year. As a result, Los Blancos have to scour the market for a central midfielder, and for a good reason.
While Federico Valverde is rightly deemed to be the future of the Real Madrid midfield, the La Liga champions need another midfield addition keeping in mind that both Kroos and Modric are on the wrong side of 30. In addition, Kroos’s current deal runs out in 2023 as well, putting him in a situation similar to Kimmich.
Considering Isco is facing an uncertain future at the club, while loanees Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard have their futures up in the air as well, it is prudent for the Merengues to keep their options open. With that in mind, Real Madrid have been linked with several midfielders, including Houssem Aouar, Eduardo Camavinga and others.
Kimmich, though, would be a game-changing signing for Real Madrid – one at par with Kroos back in 2014 – with the report suggesting that he could be open to leaving Bayern Munich soon. However, it is added that a move for the 26-year-old German international will only come to fruition in 2022 and it remains to be seen how this rumour develops in the coming year.