Toni Kroos has identified Manchester City star Rodri as the ideal player to anchor Real Madrid’s midfield after his retirement. With Los Blancos still seeking stability in the centre of the park, Kroos’ backing of the Spain international could influence the club’s long-term transfer plans.
Toni Kroos has publicly backed Manchester City’s Rodri as his ideal successor at Real Madrid, urging the club to prioritise the signing of a “fundamental” defensive midfielder to stabilise the team following his own retirement.
The legendary German midfielder, who ended his glittering career with Real Madrid in 2024 after a decade at the Bernabéu, told El País Semanal that Rodri perfectly embodies the qualities required in modern football — especially in a team like Madrid that is in transition.
One thing is clear, and that is that the central midfield position is fundamental in modern football. Look at what happened to Manchester City after Rodri got injured. A good defensive midfielder is missed when he’s not there. When he’s there, it’s taken for granted; it’s as if everything is in order, Kroos explained.
The 29-year-old City midfielder missed several key matches last season due to injury, during which Pep Guardiola’s side noticeably struggled for balance and control. Kroos pointed to that dip as proof of Rodri’s underappreciated influence — the kind of presence Madrid have lacked since his own departure.
Since I retired, I’ve become a Real Madrid fan like everyone else. I’ve seen that it hasn’t been an easy season. People kept saying, ‘Ah, it’s because Toni Kroos isn’t there!’ All I wanted was for things to go well so they’d stop saying that, he added.
Madrid Monitoring Rodri’s Future Closely
Rodri is under contract with Manchester City until 2027, but his name has resurfaced within Real Madrid’s long-term transfer plans. With Luka Modrić nearing the end of his career and Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni still maturing, the club may see Rodri as the final piece to stabilise the midfield post-Kroos.
Sources in Spain suggest that Madrid will monitor Rodri’s contract situation closely. If there’s no renewal before the 2026 World Cup, Los Blancos could make a move — especially if City look vulnerable to losing a key player.
Rodri has emerged as one of the most consistent and tactically intelligent midfielders in world football. His reading of the game, press resistance, and ability to dictate tempo have made him indispensable for club and country. Kroos’ praise — coming from one of the best passers of his generation — adds further weight to Madrid’s growing interest.
As Real Madrid continue to rebuild for a new era under Carlo Ancelotti, securing a leader at the base of midfield could be the next big step. And if Kroos has his way, Rodri might just be the man to carry the torch.
