5 players who can replace Toni Kroos at Real Madrid

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has decided to hang up his boots after competing with Germany in EURO 2024. The 34-year-old seemed to be on the verge of continuing his impressive career at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. However, their Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley could be his last game in Madrid white.

Kroos joined the Madridistas in the summer of 2014 after deciding to leave Bayern Munich for a new experience in the capital city of Spain. Ever since, he has become part of the club's core, enjoying a hugely successful period that has seen him win a combined 22 trophies. He has won four Champions League trophies with the club, and he could well win his fifth medal as he bows out of club football.

For Real Madrid fans, it will be nearly impossible to replace Toni Kroos, who is known for his brilliant passing range and accuracy. The German midfielder was a ruthless technician in the center of the park, and his prowess will certainly be missed. But Los Blancos have to look ahead for a successor, and without further ado, here are five potential replacements for Kroos:

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#5 Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool

West Ham United v Liverpool FC - Premier League

This might seem like a very unlikely option, but there is hardly a better passer of the ball than Trent Alexander-Arnold in world football at present. Although he has spent the majority of his career as a right-back, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has opted to move him into midfield in recent months to reasonable success.

Real Madrid have already shown interest in the Reds' vice-captain, who has made seven goal contributions in 28 Premier League games. It isn't guaranteed that he would want to leave Anfield, especially with the new management change in Merseyside. However, the Madridistas have their eyes on him, as his contract expires in just one year.

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#4 Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid midfielder

Real Madrid CF v Deportivo Alaves - LaLiga EA Sports

While the Madridistas could go outside in search of a player to replace their legendary midfielder, an option remains viable in the Santiago Bernabeu. Jude Bellingham may have joined the club a year ago, but he has taken to life in the Spanish capital with ease, scoring 19 goals in 27 La Liga games.

Bellingham has flourished in his attacking midfield position under Carlo Ancelotti, but while at Borussia Dortmund, he regularly impressed from a deeper role. The midfielder notably scored a total of 12 Bundesliga goals in three years. There are reports (via Football Espana) of a Kroos succession plan in motion at the Bernabeu, with Bellingham at the forefront.

#3 Enzo Fernandez - Chelsea midfielder

Sheffield United v Chelsea FC - Premier League

There have been links connecting Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez to a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. While the World Cup winner did not have the best season with the Blues, Los Blancos have him in their sights (via Chelsea Chronicle).

Enzo scored thrice and provided two assists in 28 Premier League games under Mauricio Pochettino. However, he was a vital player in Argentina's World Cup triumph and looks set to be a part of their Copa America squad.

With Fernandez playing a similar deep-lying role to Toni Kroos, the Madridistas could well opt for him as their man.

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#2 Alexis MacAllister - Liverpool midfielder

Liverpool v Southampton - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round

Alexis MacAllister is the second Liverpool player and second Argentine player on this list. His impressive performances across six games for the Albiceleste helped them to their World Cup triumph and led to his move from Brighton to Anfield.

Most recently, he has been linked to a move to Real Madrid, according to reports from his home country (via The Sun). However, these reports claimed that Los Blancos would make their move for his services next year, as it was believed that Toni Kroos and Luka Modric would stay. Now, with Kroos' exit imminent, the Madridistas could fast-track their interest in MacAllister.

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#1 Florian Wirtz - Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Augsburg - Bundesliga

The biggest linked replacement for Toni Kroos is Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, who has been the biggest part of the club's unbeaten season in all competitions. He has impressed in the Bundesliga in recent years, making significant goal contributions.

However, this season has seen the 21-year-old midfielder score 11 goals and provide as many assists in just 32 Bundesliga games. His captivating performances have attracted the attention of bigger clubs, including Real Madrid, who were making plans to sign him in 2025 (via Managing Madrid).

With Kroos leaving this summer, though, Real Madrid could opt to sign him this summer instead.