Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has decided to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium beyond this summer. According to recent reports, the Galacticos star does not want to leave the Spanish capital during this summer transfer period amidst speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United. It is believed that the German international has informed the Spanish giants that he wants to see out his current contract which is set to run out in the summer of 2022.
Kroos had a terrific campaign with Los Blancos last season when he helped his side win the UEFA Champions League for a third time in a row. However, he couldn’t help his nation, Germany secure qualification to the knockout phases of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This latest development will be a huge blow for United’s chances of landing him in the near future.
With the German international set to stay at Madrid, let’s take a look at three potential alternatives for Jose Mourinho to consider in this off-season.
Marco Verratti
The French talent has been a solid presence in the Paris Saint-Germain midfield over the past few campaigns and had regularly featured for the French team last season. The 25-year-old midfield enforcer had made 38 appearances for the French outfit last term, scoring 2 goals while making 7 assists across all competitions.
Although the French international’s reputation has been built on his defensive capabilities yet he also has a knack for scoring and setting up goals which make him a perfect fit for Mourinho’s United. Verratti will be an ideal asset under the Special One if he can convince the PSG star to make a move to Old Trafford in the near future.
Saúl Ñíguez
The Atletico Madrid ace had enjoyed an outstanding campaign and put in some brilliant performances for the La Liga side last term. The 23-year-old midfielder had featured in 56 matches for the Spanish side and has found the back of the net 6 times while creating 5 assists in all competitions. At 23, he still has his prime years ahead of him which Mourinho’s team could look to take advantage of, in the coming years.
Arturo Vidal
The Chilean international has been in scintillating form for Bayern Munich over the last few years. However, the 30-year-old has been plagued with injuries in recent times which will be a cause for concern. Vidal just managed to feature in just 35 matches for the Bundesliga outfit last term, scoring 6 goals while providing 5 assists in all competitions. The Chilean is exactly the kind of player who can thrive under Mourinho at the heart of the United midfield if the Reds of Manchester decided to opt for his services before the start of the new season.
