There’s an indelible absence in the Real Madrid midfield this season. Toni Kroos’s retirement has left Los Blancos devoid of creative spark.
So who better to fill that role than the next version of Kroos himself: Florian Wirtz. While no one will be a like-for-like replacement for Kroos, the 21-year-old Germany does offer something different than current options Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
A Rising Star: Wirtz’s Record-Breaking Season with Leverkusen
The 21-year-old German enjoyed a stellar 2023/24 season, scoring 18 and providing 20 assists in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title.
But that’s when the German size clamped down on the youngster, virtually blocking his exit with a €150m transfer fee.
That hurdle is nothing for Real Madrid, though. They might as well go for a double-swoop in bringing over head coach Xabi Alonso.
This season, Wirtz’s proving prolific once again. He’s tallied four goals and two assists in just 10 Bundlesiga matches. Add another three goals in four Champions League games. He could be the perfect stitch in a lost midfield.
Discussions between Real Madrid and the Wirt’z camp have already occurred. No talks have taken place with Leverkusen, however. The German club will also be desperate to avoid transferring Wirtz to its domestic rivals, Bayern Munich.
Should Real Madrid really go after another attacking midfielder? They have Turkish teen sensation Arda Guler, after all. Ancelotti needs to play him.
But perhaps they are looking for more leadership and integration. The inclusion of superstar Kylian Mbappe has interrupted the flow for now, certainly at the cost of the defense.
Finding a single direct replacement for Kroos is unlikely. Other replicable, more defensive players, such as Nicolo Barella or Martín Zubimendi, are also available. So, is Florian Wirtz the right player for Real Madrid or just another high-profile signing?
