Real Madrid could 'fast-track' move for Toni Kroos replacement after shock retirement announcement

Real Madrid could 'fast-track' the signing of a replacement for Toni Kroos after the Los Blancos midfielder announced his surprise retirement from football on Tuesday.

Kroos was offered a new contract at Real Madrid to stay beyond the end of his current deal next month.

It was expected that the Germany international would remain at the Bernabeu for at least another season, but he has now decided to call time on his career after Euro 2024.

In a statement on social media, the legendary midfielder wrote: "As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club.

"After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that insolent successful time!

"This decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship.

"I am happy and proud that in my mind, I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level."

Now, according to a new report, Real Madrid are considering whether to 'fast-track' a move for his chosen replacement - having initially agreed to make a move in the summer of 2025.

The player in question is Bayer Leverkusen star and Kroos' international team-mate Florian Wirtz, who scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists in Leverkusen's unbeaten Bundesliga campaign this season.

They were the best tallies in each department during his short career, with the 21-year-old successfully recovering from a serious knee injury last season.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Real have already begun work on signing Wirtz as one of their key priorities for the 2025/26 season.

Since then, Wirtz has been named as Bundesliga Player of the Season, and is set to lead Leverkusen's charge into the Champions League next season.

But if Real can match the reported €150 million asking price demanded by Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro, he could be playing at the Bernabeu on a weekly basis next season.