Speculation had long been growing ahead of the World Cup over the future of Toni Kroos and his performances in Brazil have only increased the gossip. It seems every club in Europe is after the 24-year-old. Manchester United and Chelsea have both been mentioned but it looks as though Kroos will be on his way to Real Madrid following the tournament.
With the Germany international out of contract with Munich after next season, failure to agree a new deal has led Madrid to swoop for a cut-price deal. The fee is believed to be in the region of €25m, a bargain for a player of his quality.
The playmaker started his career with local side Greifswalder SC before joining Hansa Rostock, which lead to a move to Bayern at the age of 16. Kroos' rise to the top did not take long and he was in the senior side at 17, making regular appearances.
His development threatened to slow as he appeared less frequently in his second season but a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen reignited Kroos’ career and he has been a fixture ever since. At the age of only 24 he already has 50 international caps to his name as well.
Kroos has arguably been one of the standout performers in this summer's World Cup. He orchestrated the 7-1 destruction of hosts Brazil and has a pass completion rate of 91% from his appearances at the tournament. For such a relatively small fee, a player of his quality he is a must-buy for Madrid.
The two are a perfect fit and his versatility would be an asset to Los Blancos. While he can sit deep and dictate the play, threading passes through opposition lines, he can also play further forward, just off the front man, something which would suit Carlo Ancelotti's fluid, interchangeable system.
His range of passing will delight the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, who will flourish with the likes of Kroos playing perfectly weighted passes in behind the defence for them to run on to. Although it can be argued Madrid have a wealth of options already, there is uncertainty over the future of some.
Xabi Alonso's performances for Spain have come under scrutiny and perhaps his best days are behind him while the likes of Sami Khedira, Angel Di Maria and Asier Illarramendi are rumoured to be heading out of the club, whether it be on a temporary basis or more permanent.
Isco will feel hard done by should Kroos’ transfer be completed but with Madrid reportedly set to wrap up a trio of deals for Kroos, Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez it would send out a huge message to the rest of Europe – Madrid will take some beating.
Kroos says he knows where his future lies and will reveal all after the World Cup. Real Madrid fans will hope he is on his way to becoming the next Galactico.
