Transfer News: Paul Robinson believes Toni Kroos will be a cheaper alternative to Liverpool target Jude Bellingham
Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has suggested that Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos would be a cheaper alternative than Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has been linked with Liverpool.
Bellingham is currently one of the hottest properties in Europe with almost all elite clubs eyeing a move for the 19-year-old next summer, including Liverpool. However, he will not come cheap and it is expected that he will cost more than £100 million.
Now, Robinson believes that former Bayern Munich midfielder Kroos could be the perfect and cheaper alternative to the England international for all clubs. Speaking to Football Insider (h/t Express), the former keeper gave his opinion.
“Kroos is such an intelligent footballer. If you can get a player of that quality and experience on a free transfer you pay him handsomely. When you look at what they would pay overall, it would not be that bad a deal. It would not cost a fortune because there would be no transfer fee.”
“I think Kroos could play at the top level for another three or four years. He is a world-class player. It is a no-brainer for me. There is going to be a lot of competition for Bellingham. Kroos might be cheaper and easier to get.”
This is a very intriguing suggestion. Kroos, 32 is, without a doubt, one of the best midfielders of this generation. The former German international has won everything at the club level with both Bayern and Real and also has won the World Cup with his country.
Despite his age, the midfielder still remains the game-changer for Los Blancos. He sees his current contract expire next summer and is yet to agree to new terms with the Spanish club.
While he is at the top of his game currently, age will catch up with Kroos and his level will go down eventually. Bellingham, on the other hand, is 19 and is yet to reach his full potential, despite being one of the best already.
The 19-year-old could be considered a future Kroos, and it would make sense to invest in the future than settle for a midfielder past his prime who will at the utmost be able to perform for a few more years.
But should the Reds still go for the 32-year-old, then they will have to wait till January to begin a pre-contractual agreement with the player. Also, they would have to compete with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain for the midfielder.
More Liverpool Transfer News
- Liverpool are being linked with Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic
- Liverpool could make a move for the Netherlands and PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo
- Jurgen Klopp pushing hard to sign Liverpool target and England star Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund
It remains to be seen what the Reds decide to do in the winter transfer window. It will be wise for the club to focus on landing Bellingham rather than bringing in other alternatives.
