Real Madrid eyeing Rodri, Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández as long-term replacements for Toni Kroos

Xabi Alonso wants a midfield general, and the Merengues are targeting top Premier League names

Real Madrid is actively searching for a new midfield anchor to fill the void left by Toni Kroos, who retired at the end of the 2023/24 season. With Xabi Alonso now at the helm, the Spanish giants are reportedly eyeing Rodri, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández as potential signings for the 2026 window.

The information was first reported by Football España on Tuesday (August 5), and comes amid growing pressure from fans for the club to strengthen the midfield an area many believe has suffered since Kroos’s departure.

Rodri: Florentino Pérez’s Top Priority

Of the three targets, Rodri is said to be President Florentino Pérez’s top choice. The Manchester City star is reportedly open to returning to Spain, but any potential deal faces a major obstacle: City has no intention of selling and is already preparing a contract extension for the player, who remains central to Pep Guardiola’s system.

Enzo Fernández: Locked Down at Chelsea

Another name on Real Madrid’s shortlist is Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder has become a cornerstone at Chelsea, and the club has already blocked previous transfer attempts. His long-term contract and importance to the Blues make this a particularly complex negotiation.

Mac Allister: A Dream, But Unlikely

The third candidate, Alexis Mac Allister, may be the most difficult to secure. The Liverpool midfielder is reportedly happy at Anfield and has no plans to leave. Additionally, the Reds are not open to negotiations, making this pursuit even more challenging.

The Kroos Effect Still Lingers

Real Madrid’s struggles in the 2024/25 season under Carlo Ancelotti were partly attributed to the midfield void left by Kroos. The team underperformed in La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey, leading to criticism from fans and analysts alike.

Although younger talents like Arda Güler are now emerging under Alonso, the club believes that a veteran presence is still needed to guide the midfield, especially in high-stakes European fixtures.