Zubimendi or Him, One of the Two Will Play for Real Madrid and the Price is Identical

One of Real Madrid's biggest concerns ahead of the 2025 summer transfer market is finding a replacement for Toni Kroos. The former German '8' left a significant void in the team coached by Carlo Ancelotti that would be difficult to fill with a player of the same level as the German.

There are already a few names being considered to fill the gap in the first team, but nothing has been decided yet. At least according to some rumors, the player closest to the Meringue team is Martín Zubimendi. The '4' of Real Sociedad would fit perfectly with the demands of the board of directors led by Florentino Pérez.

Especially because he's a Spanish player. But the high demand that seems to exist around the txuri-urdin pivot means that the white executives aren't entirely sure about his transfer in summer. That's why they are keeping their attention on other candidates with a similar profile: creative defensive midfielders.

Next on the list of possible players being handled by the Valdebebas offices is Samuele Ricci. The Italian pivot from Torino, who is having a good season in Serie A, was a suggestion made several months ago by Carlo Ancelotti. The recommendation of the Reggiolo coach fits more and more into the long-term plans of the current sports project.

Evaluating different options

The similarities between Zubimendi and Ricci's candidacy to sign for Real Madrid are more than striking. Not only because they offer practically identical performances, although they are eagerly sought after by the sporting management of the club. The cost of their transfer is also similar.

Because Samuele Ricci, who is in Liverpool's sights, would have a starting price of around 50 million euros. That amount, bordering on the spending ceiling set by the Madrid bosses for that position, coincides with the demands made known from the Reale Arena by Zubimendi.

Although the Spanish midfielder has a release clause of 60 million euros, Real Madrid's negotiators believe they have the opportunity to reduce it to 50 million. Such a transaction would be ideal for Real Madrid's aspirations in the coming seasons... and would allow them to focus on strengthening other areas of the team that are in greater need of transfers.

Whatever the case, the debate surrounding Toni Kroos' successor is far from over. Only Real Madrid's performance in the upcoming summer transfer market will set the tone for a team that continues to miss its main playmaker of recent years.