Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Toni Kroos, and are set to pursue a summer move for the Real Madrid midfielder.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Manchester United are interested in signing Toni Kroos in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils though, will have to shell out the German midfielder’s €500 million release clause in order to swoop him away from Real Madrid.
Kroos has built a steady reputation of being one of the best playmakers in the world – a tag that he has carried for several years now. At Real Madrid, the player’s contribution has been well documented. The German international has joined forces with Luka Modric and Casemiro to form one of the most formidable midfield trios in world football.
As a result, the player has been a core member of the Real Madrid first-team squad that has won four of the last five UEFA Champions League titles, dominating Europe unlike any other club in modern day football. However, heading into this summer’s transfer window, Kroos’s future has been uncertain, with reports that Real Madrid might be open to selling him for the right price.
His position has piqued the interest of a former suitor, who are now ready to launch the offensive for him. Manchester United hold a long-standing interest in Kroos, having had their eyes on him since before he even joined Real Madrid in 2014.
The continued interest in Kroos though, comes as a bit of a surprise as his addition, while undoubtedly providing a major creative boost, could stack Jose Mourinho’s midfield options next season. For a long time, it was believed that Marouane Fellaini would be the second Manchester United midfielder out the dressing room this summer, which would then open up a space for another midfielder.
But, recent reports have suggested that Manchester United are now set to tie Fellaini down to a new deal before his contract runs out this week. Should Fellaini end up staying, Mourinho will have as many as six senior midfielders at his disposal, with Andreas Pereira possibly being another if he is not sold or loaned again.
In the off chance that Fellaini does end up leaving though, Kroos could be just the midfielder to sign, as he could end up being an almost like-for-like replacement for Michael Carrick, with Manchester United of the opinion that the Real Madrid superstar could be the key to get the best out of Paul Pogba as well.
Nevertheless, the report suggests that Kroos is in Mourinho’s plans, with Manchester United ready to go all out in pursuit of the 28-year-old. Meanwhile, the Real Madrid midfielder is coming off a disappointing 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign with Germany, who were booted out of the tournament in the group stage itself.
Kroos’s last-minute goal against Sweden had given them hope of qualification to the knockout stages, but his heroics ultimately went in vain as Son Heung-min and South Korea brought Die Mannschaft’s campaign to a premature end. However, that does bode well for Manchester United, who can now enter negotiations with the player.
Contrary to widespread speculation though, the report suggests that Real Madrid are not unwilling to sell the player just yet, and will point to his €500 million release clause if any suitor are to sign him.
The purpose of the same is to price Manchester United and any other suitor out of a possible deal, and if the price indeed is €500 million, it is unlikely that the Red Devils will pay such a sum to sign him, making it likely that Kroos will end up staying at Real Madrid after all.
