Toni Kroos
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Real Madrid complete spectacular Toni Kroos capture

| 17.07.2014
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Real Madrid, 7/2 to win the Champions League this season, have signed former Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £20m. The World Cup winning star joins on a six-year deal, and will add to an already electrifying array of options in the Madrid squad.

Kroos, 24, leaves the German giants after seven successful campaigns, and his trophy haul includes three Bundesliga crowns and a Champions League title.

The Germany midfielder joined Bayern as a 16-year old, and after eight progressive years, and a move to Madrid will provide fresh challenges. He will easily fit into a squad which is already brimming with superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

After Spain’s disastrous World Cup exit, there have been question marks over key player Xabi Alonso’s ability to run the midfield in tandem with former Spurs star Luka Modric. Coupled with the rumoured departures of Kroos’ compatriot Sami Khedira to Arsenal, and Argetine attacker Angel Di Maria, who has reportedly piqued the interest of PSG and Manchester United, the addition of Toni Kroos makes sense.

As one of Europe’s top midfielders over the last few seasons, Kroos is renowned for his vision, excellent passing accuracy and a nose for goal. This was illustrated by his success at the recent World Cup. A key component in Joachim Low’s squad, Kroos provided an impressive four assists for his teammates, and netted twice against Brazil in the 7-1 semi-final demolition of the hosts.

Able to play as an advanced attacking midfielder, or also in deeper positions, Kroos will bring versatility and options to Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

Kroos was part of Bayern’s historic treble-winning side in 2012-13, and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge acknowledged that the midfielder and the Bavarian side had “enjoyed great success here together” and “would like to wish him and his family all the best in Madrid and with Real.”

Previously linked with Manchester United, his former coach Louis van Gaal apparently placed a potential move to the Red Devils on ice, allowing the German to be reeled in by Madrid.

With Kroos about to enter the final year of his contract with Bayern, the deal represents a bargain for notorious big-spenders Madrid. They are reportedly also interested in Colombia and Monaco duo Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez.

Current Bayern boss Pep Guardiola still has a wealth of alternatives to choose from in midfield, with top quality options such as David Alaba, Thiago Alacantara, Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger in his squad.

Ancelotti’s side, odds-on at 10/11 to win La Liga this term, can feel confident about regaining the domestic title form cross-capital rivals Atletico Madrid after the acquisition of Kroos, with further additions still expected.

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Author

Holly Thackeray

Holly is a member of the content team, and can often be found on the sports desk writing about favourite topics Serie A and East Asian footballing nations. A recent darts convert, she is also a fully-fledged member of Barney's Army and a proud Leeds-born Manchester United fan.