Real Madrid intend on changing Jude Bellingham position for ‘Toni Kroos replacement’ in 2025

Real Madrid appear to be planning next season with Toni Kroos as part of their squad, but they have started a succession strategy, according to reports in Germany. It could have an impact on Jude Bellingham too.

Bellingham has operated best in a more free role with the ball, moving into the box, while Los Blancos have plenty of options in the middle of the park, with Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga already amongst the best in the game. However BILD in Germany have declared that Los Blancos have their eye on Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Florian Wirtz.

The 21-year-old has been identified by both Barcelona and Real Madrid as a top talent in recent years, but will remain at Leverkusen next season, and it is believed die Werkself will demand €150m for his signature. Indeed, Kroos himself highlighted Wirtz as the player in the Bundesliga that he believed had the quality to play for Real Madrid. Amid competition from Bayern Munich, Los Blancos intend to replace Kroos with Wirtz in 2025.

It doesn't seem like that Frenkie de Jong is interested in renewing his contract. @RogerTorello

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 10, 2024

Scout Felipe Martin has been spotted at the BayArena regularly this season, and was a frequent presence in Dortmund before Los Blancos moved for Jude Bellingham. Their idea is for Wirtz, who plays further forward for Xabi Alonso, to do so at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Bellingham would move into a deeper role, as he played for Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich has been suggested as a potential option for Real Madrid, but after Carlo Ancelotti accused him of diving in their clash on Wednesday, those chances have decreased, as per MD. Kimmich could leave for around €35m this summer, with Barcelona also interested, but Ancelotti also had the 29-year-old under his tutelage while at Bayern himself, and tended to leave Kimmich out. The Italian’s presence is thought to be a factor that pushes Kimmich further away from a move.

It’s a frightening prospect for their opponents. Wirtz has been one of the inspirations behind an unbeaten season for Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, and has notched 18 goals and 19 assists in 46 games this season. It will not hurt that Alonso is thought to be the best-placed to eventually replace Carlo Ancelotti in 2025 or 2026 too.

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