Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Girona - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - October 30, 2022 Real Madrid's Toni Kroos during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Manchester City have been urged to land a transfer deal for Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos by pundit Paul Robinson.Â
The Lowdown: City’s link with KroosÂ
Earlier this month, it was reported that City are interested in signing the German, who is set to see his current contract with the European champions expire at the end of the season.
Another midfielder that the Citizens have been linked with recently is Jude Bellingham, who will reportedly be at the centre of a potential bidding war involving some of Europe’s biggest clubs once the next summer transfer window opens.
With these two midfielders reportedly on City’s radar, it seems as though the Manchester club have been urged to launch a move to sign Kroos ahead of the Englishman.
The Latest: City urged to sign Kroos
Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson, who contributes to Sky Sports, had this to say about Kroos and a potential move to City, labelling him as ‘world-class player’ and a move being a ‘no-brainer’.
“Kroos is such an intelligent footballer. If you can get a player of that quality and experience on a free transfer you pay him handsomely.
“When you look at what they would pay overall, it would not be that bad a deal. It would not cost a fortune because there would be no transfer fee.
“I think Kroos could play at the top level for another three or four years. He is a world-class player. It is a no-brainer for me. There is going to be a lot of competition for Bellingham. Kroos might be cheaper and easier to get.”
The Verdict: A decision for City
To highlight what Kroos would offer City, he has made more progressive passes (99) than any other Real player as well as making the second-highest number of successful tackles (12) at the club in La Liga.
However, Bellingham has also made more progressive passes (86) than any other player at Dortmund this season in the Bundesliga, as well as winning more tackles (26) than any of his teammates.
Who would you rather see City sign?
Jude Bellingham
Toni Kroos
While it’s clear that both players are top midfielders, it seems that City and Pep Guardiola may have a decision to make over who they launch a move for in the summer.
In our view, with the Englishman only just starting out his career in the top ranks of European football and Kroos arguably having his best days behind him at the age of 32, we feel that it could well be worth the extra potential effort to try and bring Bellingham to the Etihad, although Kroos could be an ideal alternative for free.
About the Author
