The end of the World Cup usually marks a frenzy for clubs trying to sign star players that left a mark and Real Madrid is no different. Germany’s Toni Kroos is coming on board for £24 million (about $41 million) and they are reportedly on the verge of signing Colombia sensation James Rodriguez as well.
Real Madrid has to bring their team up to par with Barcelona, who will be a force to reckon with, after they signed Luis Suarez , who will join Lionel Messi and Neymar. With Toni Kroos and — they hope — James joining Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema, things should even up.
Kroos’ former club, Bayern Munich announced on Thursday that a deal has been reached with Real Madrid and an immediate transfer would be made for the German world cup champion. Toni Kroos had a contract that was to expire next summer, but has secured a new deal with Real Madrid for six-years. The contract will take effect immediately.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “We would like to thank Toni Kroos for his time here in Munich. We enjoyed great success here together. We would like to wish him and his family all the best in Madrid and with Real.”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti will add incredible depth to his midfield when Kroos joins the team. The 24-year-old, who comes fresh from winning the 2014 World Cup title for Germany on Sunday, was polite and grateful for the opportunity to play at the Bernabeu:
“I’m proud of being here. I can’t imagine anything better than being here at Real Madrid. It’s the biggest club in the World, I thank them for giving me this opportunity. And I thank Bayern too, which allowed this step of my career. I want to pay the trust back on the pitch. Hala Madrid.”
. @ToniKroos signed his contract with Real Madrid http://t.co/LTBAPQyYGo #WelcomeKroos #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/JRkPoxXgCc
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) July 17, 2014
Kroos: I want to thank Real Madrid for the opportunity to play in the world’s biggest club. pic.twitter.com/YkmdwTD9ou
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) July 17, 2014
In related news, Real Madrid is reportedly close to brokering a deal for Colombian superstar and World Cup Golden Boot James Rodgriguez — or simply James, as he is known — in which the 23-year-old will leave his current club, the AC Monaco, and come to the Bernabeu for £63 million ($108 million).
According to the Spanish publication AS , Real Madrid has reached the verbal deal and needs to agree to an official transfer with the Monaco. During the World Cup, James expressed his desire to play for Real, when asked if he preferred them or Barcelona.
The latest reports, coming from Twitter, are that Rodriguez has agreed to a long term €120,000 ($162,000) a week contract with Real Madrid.
It’s official James Rodríguez has agreed a long term €120k a week contract with Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/C4AB88dwWI
— Just Football (@JustFutball) July 17, 2014
With these two transfers, Real Madrid will be ready to battle Barcelona in the upcoming La Liga season. If last season was any indication, we are in for a lot of excitement when Kroos and James come to town.
[Image via Twitter]