Real Madrid will reportedly look to initiate the succession plan for Luka Modric in 2023, with 22-year-old Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali a target.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Sandro Tonali is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in the 2023 summer transfer window. The Merengues will scour the market for a potential long-term successor for Luka Modric, with the 22-year-old AC Milan midfielder emerging as a target.
Sandro Tonali is one of the most promising midfielders in Italy, with his stock being high since his days in the youth setup at Brescia. Back then, the Italian international drew comparisons with Andrea Pirlo. And he has done well to bolster his reputation in the last few years, especially following his move to AC Milan.
The Rossoneri had initially signed Tonali on a season-long loan deal before completing the transfer permanently. And the 22-year-old has turned out 82 times for AC Milan in the last two years while establishing a foothold in the Italian national side. Tonali’s exploits have not gone unnoticed either, with one of the biggest clubs in Europe – Real Madrid – closely monitoring his progress.
Real Madrid had reportedly considered signing Tonali from AC Milan this summer before turning towards Aurelien Tchouameni. Real Madrid will not enter the market for another midfield reinforcement this year, with the French international onboard at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But it is worth noting that Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are approaching the end of their respective illustrious careers. Modric, in particular, will turn 37 this year, meaning Real Madrid will need to start phasing the veteran Croat out to reduce their dependence on him. And Los Blancos will have to lay down a succession plan to that end.
Several midfielders have thus emerged on Real Madrid’s radar, including Nicolo Barella and Jude Bellingham, with Tonali also a viable target. Recent reports have also claimed that the Spanish giants are ready to pay a nine-figure sum to secure the services of Bellingham. But Tonali might be a cost-effective alternative to Barella and Bellingham.
The 22-year-old Italian midfielder still has his best years ahead of him and will likely offer Real Madrid nearly a decade of service before the Merengues think about bringing in a replacement. But with twelve months left for the 2023 summer transfer window to open, things could change drastically, and Tonali could become the priority target for Real Madrid by next year.
