Real Madrid is facing a significant task. Recently, both the club and Luka Modric confirmed the news that fans had hoped not to hear. The Croatian maestro is saying goodbye to the team he calls home after 13 years as a `madridista`. At 39 years old, Modric will leave the `blancos` after the conclusion of the Club World Cup. This will be his final service to the club that has given him so much joy over more than a decade. But as one era ends, another begins.
Real Madrid is now looking to the future. Having already been left with a void after Toni Kroos`s retirement last year, Modric`s departure further emphasizes the need to strengthen the midfield with technically gifted players capable of orchestrating the team`s play. The search for a new central midfielder has begun, and several names are reportedly under consideration.
Nico Paz, The Most Feasible Option
This potential addition appears affordable in terms of both the process and the price. The Argentine midfielder, who left the `merengues` last summer to join Como in Italy, has made significant strides over the past 12 months, reaching a new dimension as a player. Now much more mature, Nico was one of the standout sensations in Europe during the 2024/2025 season. His return to `The White House` would reportedly cost just 9 million euros, a figure Real Madrid would have no difficulty paying to bring the midfielder back. However, the player`s own desires are less clear. He wants to feel like a key player and needs regular game time; he does not wish to return to Madrid only to be relegated to the bench.
Vitinha and Enzo Fernández, Practically Impossible Options
Vítor Machado Ferreira, known as `Vitinha`, and Enzo Fernández, aged 25 and 24 respectively, are two highly appealing options but simultaneously very complex to secure.
The first, a Portuguese international, plays for Paris Saint-Germain and is under contract until 2029, meaning his departure from the French club before that date seems highly improbable. Vitinha is a crucial playmaker for a PSG side on the verge of achieving a historic treble. The player from Santo Tirso would fit perfectly at Real Madrid, representing a kind of hybrid between Kroos and Modric – possessing excellent technique to break lines combined with outstanding ball carrying. His market value is estimated at 60 million euros, but PSG are reportedly unwilling to let him leave under any circumstances.
On the other hand, Enzo Fernández is also highly admired by Real Madrid. His versatility is very valuable, as he can operate both as a defensive pivot at the base of midfield and also perform as an interior midfielder. He is a modern midfielder capable of doing many things on the pitch, and doing most of them well. The negative aspect of signing him is the extremely high price Chelsea would demand for his sale. The `Blues` acquired his services in January 2023 for a staggering 120 million euros, making it unlikely they would let him go for a significantly lower amount. Real Madrid is reportedly not considering an expenditure of that magnitude.
Mastantuono, Pure Youth
At just 17 years old, he is already a leader at River Plate. The Argentine, who turns 18 in August, appears ready to make the leap to Europe. However, securing a starting position at Real Madrid might still be a bit too much for him, potentially requiring him to wait for his opportunity from the bench or go out on loan to gain experience. It is estimated that the price the `blancos` would have to pay for the Argentine prodigy would be around 40 million euros. He is a versatile midfielder with enormous talent, particularly from set pieces, but he may not be what the Madrid team needs at this moment: immediate performance.
Angelo Stiller, The Unfamiliar Name
He might be largely unknown to the general public, but at 24, he is already considered one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga. He plays for Stuttgart and has a market value of 38 million euros, which is a reasonable price.
What is most interesting about this player is that his playing style is a close match to that of Toni Kroos. He plays a very similar game to the legendary `white` number 8, showing great vision with the ball for both short and long passes. His positioning on the field allows him to win the ball, and he easily finds space. His handicap, as was also the case with Kroos, is speed.
