Real Madrid have been told they should have signed Aston Villa and Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans after Toni Kroos retired.

  • Real told they should have signed Tielemans
  • Kroos retired in 2024 after legendary career
  • Tielemans remains key player at Villa
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Tielemans has established himself as one of the Premier League's best midfielders since moving to England. The 28-year-old joined Leicester City from Monaco in 2019, scoring the winner to help the Foxes win the FA Cup in 2021. He then moved to Villa on a free transfer in 2023 and helped the club reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2024-25.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    And while it may be a surprise for Tielemans to be mentioned in the same breath as Kroos, who decided to hang up his boots in 2024 after a legendary career with Real and Germany, Belgian analyst Filip Joos believes that should not be the case.

  • WHAT JOOS SAID

    Speaking to Belgian outlet Play Sports, in quotes reported by Voetbal Nieuws, Joos said: “I keep saying it: if Real Madrid had signed him (Tielemans) when Toni Kroos left, a lot would have been resolved.

    “I think he’s a fantastic player. What strikes me every time is how much he can do, how much power he has. Not just in going deep, but also in defending. He’s become a total midfielder."

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Kroos retired from professional football following Germany's Euro 2024 quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual winners Spain. He won 22 major honours at Real, including five Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns.

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