Could there be a spectacular return for Toni Kroos to Real Madrid? The former international player has commented on the rumors.
In his podcast ‘Einfach mal Luppen,’ the 36-year-old neither confirmed nor denied the current speculation circulating about him, stating: «I don’t want to say anything about that.»
When pressed by his brother and co-host Felix, who noted that he himself had always evaded and insisted he knew nothing when asked in recent days, Kroos replied: «That’s the answer you can continue to give.»
The Spanish sports newspaper AS recently reported that the 2014 World Cup winner was «imminently close to returning to his former club.» It was suggested that Kroos would be closely integrated into the sporting structure at the Bernabéu in the future. However, the newspaper did not reveal the exact role. A position as Sporting Director, which has not yet been implemented at the club, is reportedly under consideration.
Real Madrid Faces a Season Without Titles
Kroos ended his career in 2024 after ten years with the Madrid club, during which he won the Champions League five times and the league title four times with Real. However, for the past two years, Real has not met its high expectations. This season, the club parted ways with former Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso early on, but even under his successor, Alvaro Arbeloa, things have hardly improved.
Madrid has already been eliminated from the cup, and with seven matchdays remaining in the league, they trail defending champions FC Barcelona by nine points. In the Champions League quarter-finals, their journey ended after two losses (1-2 and 3-4) against FC Bayern Munich. For the historically successful club, it is highly probable that this season will be completely devoid of any titles.
Arbeloa is therefore reportedly on the verge of leaving Madrid. According to The Athletic, it is «very likely» that the club will part ways by the end of the current season at the latest. After the defeat in Munich’s Allianz Arena, the Spaniard stated that he wanted to «deal with all the club’s decisions.»
Will Alvaro Arbeloa Vacate His Post at Real Madrid?
Should Arbeloa indeed have to leave his post, several candidates are reportedly being considered as his successor, according to Athletic. The name Jürgen Klopp continues to be mentioned around the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, even though he has recently spoken out clearly against a quick return to coaching.
Former coach Zinedine Zidane is also said to still enjoy significant backing from club president Florentino Pérez and is therefore among the candidates, although he is reportedly eyeing the job of coaching the French national team. Didier Deschamps is currently under contract there until the summer, and his name has also recently been discussed.