Manchester City have been linked with a move for Toni Kroos – but pundit Stewart Robson does not think it would be a good idea for the club to sign him.
In recent days, it has been suggested that Pep Guardiola could launch a move for the Germany midfielder.
Kroos’ contract at Real Madrid expires at the end of the season.
Kroos has obviously worked with Guardiola before at Bayern Munich.
Supposedly City and Pep would be keen to bring him in on a free transfer.
But the links are not particularly concrete at this stage. And ESPN Robson can’t see a move happening…
Stewart Robson doesn’t think Toni Kroos would be a good signing for Manchester City
The Kroos to City link was discussed on the Gab & Juls show.
In the eyes of Robson, Kroos is still a good player. And he is someone who he actually thinks is much better than Kalvin Phillips.
But he does not believe he would make a particularly good signing for City, even on a free.
He said: “He’s still performing quite well. He’s still an excellent passer of the ball. I question his defensive qualities, as I would have questioned them when he was a lot younger. But they’re getting worst now. He’s quite often played as the holding midfielder when Ancelotti hasn’t been happy with (Aurelien) Tchouameni. He hasn’t done that job particularly well.
“Is he better than Phillips, who Guardiola doesn’t like at all at Man City? Yeah, he’s a much better player in terms of his passing quality. Is it a good idea? I don’t think so. His days are gone.”
City should avoid Kroos
It has been a surprise to read about links to Kroos.
Obviously Pep did work with him at Bayern, but that feels like the only real reason for the speculation.
Kroos has been an amazing player over the years. But he turns 34 in January and it’s difficult to see City signing a central midfielder at that age.
It is not common at all for City to turn to players in their mid-thirties. The club have only tended to sign goalkeepers in that age bracket, such as Scott Carson, Willy Caballero and Claudio Bravo.
Perhaps there’s an argument to bring in Kroos because of his experience and leadership. But it doesn’t even feel as though City need another player for that.
