Explained: Why Jude Bellingham won’t fill Toni Kroos’ boots at Real Madrid despite there being 'no player' on the transfer market that can replace World Cup winner

The Blancos are bidding farewell to a World Cup-winning midfielder, with Kroos announcing that he will be heading into retirement at the end of Euro 2024. The legendary Germany international is hanging up his boots at just 34 years of age.

Having spent 10 years at Santiago Bernabeu, taking in 464 appearances and winning 21 trophies – including four La Liga titles and as many Champions League crowns – finding a suitable successor to Kroos in the middle of the park will be no easy task for Real.

There had been suggestions that England star Bellingham could be dropped back from a more attacking No.10 berth, but Ancelotti has said when asked about that tactical tinkering: “I don't think so. The closer we get to Bellingham, the better it is for us. There is no player with Kroos' characteristics on the market, but we have to replace him in another way. We have midfielders with a lot of quality and we have to adapt next season's game to their characteristics.”

Bellingham has enjoyed a productive debut campaign in Madrid, registering 23 goals across all competitions, and will get the opportunity on June 1 to add a Champions League triumph to a roll of honour in Spain that already includes Super Cup and La Liga glory.