Real Madrid's Hunt for Toni Kroos' Successor: Four Elite Midfielders Who Could Fill the Void
Following Toni Kroos's retirement in 2024, Real Madrid has been left with a significant gap in their midfield that Xabi Alonso is eager to address.
Real Madrid invested heavily this summer to strengthen their defensive line, bringing Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras to the Spanish capital. The La Liga second-place finishers also acquired 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono as offensive reinforcement for the 2025–26 campaign.
Even with these new signings, Los Blancos desperately require a central midfielder. With Kroos gone and now Luka Modrić as well, the world's most prestigious club lacks someone who can dictate play from the center of the field.
If Real Madrid returns to the transfer market to address their persistent issue, four players could integrate perfectly into Alonso's revamped team.
4. Nicolo Barella
Nicolò Barella represents a solution to numerous challenges at the world's premier club. The 28-year-old is an exceptional complete midfielder who possesses the work ethic that many players in white desperately need.
The Italy international would also strengthen a Real Madrid midfield that gets exposed defensively. Barella thrives at closing down space and blocking passing options, while also winning back possession and disrupting opposition attacks.
In addition to his defensive contributions and tactical awareness on the ball, Barella brings an impressive injury-free record. The Inter Milan player has appeared in over 40 matches in each of his past five campaigns with the Italian club, recently participating in 56 games throughout the 2024–25 season.
Latest reports suggest the Spanish powerhouse has shown interest in the midfielder as a potential replacement for Kroos. However, a transfer for Barella appears quite unlikely given that the Italian recently penned a three-year contract extension with Inter Milan in November.
3. Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister continues to surface in Real Madrid discussions. The club pursued the midfielder earlier this year and again during the summer transfer period. This interest makes perfect sense considering the Argentine's outstanding 2024–25 campaign where he was instrumental in Liverpool's Premier League title victory.
The 26-year-old's capacity to control game rhythm through pace-setting distribution is absent from Los Blancos' current midfield options. Almost every time the Spanish giants faced elite European opposition last season, they were dominated centrally and couldn't establish game control.
Mac Allister would provide steadiness and equilibrium to Real Madrid's midfield. The Liverpool standout can also offer creative inspiration, something Real Madrid finds difficult to extract from Tchouaméni, Camavinga and occasionally Valverde.
Securing Mac Allister from Merseyside would require substantial investment, and even then the Reds might refuse to release the Argentine.
2. Enzo Fernandez
Watching just one Chelsea match reveals what Enzo Fernández could offer Real Madrid. A midfielder with the Argentine's passing ability and adaptability would immediately earn a spot in Alonso's starting eleven.
The new Real Madrid manager could utilize Fernández as the deep playmaker he attempted to develop Arda Güler into this summer. The Chelsea midfielder can also operate in a more forward position to connect with Los Blancos' talented attack when required. Indeed, Fernández concluded the 2024–25 season with 17 assists.
The most appealing aspect of Fernández's profile might be his finals record. The 24-year-old has claimed victory in all six international finals he's contested, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine also became the sole active player to hold World Champion status for both club and country after the Blues' FIFA Club World Cup success.
Fernández's experience on football's grandest stages would provide Alonso's midfield with the leadership it urgently requires following Kroos and Modrić's departures.
1. Rodri
Everything points toward Rodri as Real Madrid's answer. The 29-year-old is precisely the player Alonso requires to finally close the void left by Kroos.
Current reports suggest the Spaniard tops Los Blancos' midfield wishlist, despite a summer deal appearing "nearly impossible". The combination of Rodri's age, approaching 2027 contract expiration and recent serious ACL injury might convince Manchester City to seek a substantial fee for the Ballon d'Or recipient within the next year.
Beyond his build-up abilities and distribution, Rodri would provide Real Madrid with defensive qualities that even Kroos lacked. The Spaniard masters everything from perfectly-timed challenges and crucial interventions to winning headers.
Los Blancos must exercise patience for this dream signing and endure another campaign without midfield reinforcement if they genuinely desire Rodri.