Real Madrid’s Transition Plans Post-Modric and Kroos: Why Kalvin Phillips Doesn’t Fit

The illustrious midfield partnership of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos at Real Madrid is unquestionably nearing its twilight. These two players have etched their names among the club’s all-time greats and have been instrumental in one of Real Madrid’s most successful eras. However, at 38 and 33 years old, respectively, their prominence is waning.

For Luka Modric, this season is shaping up to be his swan song at Real Madrid. Recent weeks have seen him consigned to a squad role, causing evident frustration. His contract is set to expire next summer, and it’s highly unlikely to see an extension. In contrast, Toni Kroos is more likely to remain at the club, having played a significant role during the current campaign. Still, his time at Real Madrid is limited.

With the eventual departures of Modric and Kroos, it is widely anticipated that Real Madrid will seek replacements, despite the presence of talented midfielders like Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, and Jude Bellingham already in the first-team squad. The question arises as to who the club should choose as their successors.

One of the names that has emerged as a potential option is Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips. As per reports from Defensa Central (via CaughtOffside), the England international has been presented as an option to Real Madrid. While this might be a tempting prospect for Phillips, it raises questions from Real Madrid’s perspective.

Kalvin Phillips primarily operates as a defensive midfielder and has struggled to displace Rodri in the Manchester City lineup. Real Madrid already boasts promising talents like Tchouameni and Camavinga, who are not only younger but also considered superior to Phillips.

From Real Madrid’s standpoint, it doesn’t appear to make sense to pursue Phillips, especially given the potential cost involved. Allocating resources elsewhere would likely yield more significant benefits.

The question of who Real Madrid will select as Modric and Kroos’ successors remains an intriguing one. Emerging talents like Nico Paz, who has consistently excelled in the club’s youth categories at La Fabrica, could be strong contenders for promotion. The timing of such promotions, however, remains uncertain, but it is clear that signing Kalvin Phillips is not the solution Real Madrid should be considering.