Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos could find himself playing in Saudi Arabia next season despite previously criticizing the league, reports Ekrem Konur.
Kroos, 33, has become a target for several Saudi clubs who are monitoring his contract situation with Real Madrid, which is set to expire in the summer of 2024. While he has publicly criticized the move of other high-profile players to the Saudi Pro League, a lucrative offer could see him change his tune.
In a recent podcast with his brother Felix, Kroos spoke out against the recent influx of stars to the Saudi league, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar. He stated that while the league may be ambitious, the primary motivation for players seems to be money, not football.
“They say it’s an ambitious sporting decision to go there, but the truth is that it’s all about the money,” said Kroos. “In the end it’s a decision for the money – and against football. And from there it starts to get difficult for the football we all know and love.”
However, Kroos added that he understood older players taking advantage of a final payday in Saudi Arabia. His criticism was primarily aimed at younger players like Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga, who opted for the Saudi league over opportunities with top European clubs, including Real Madrid.
With Kroos entering the twilight of his career, a move to Saudi Arabia cannot be ruled out. While his previous comments may complicate negotiations, the financial incentive could ultimately be too strong to resist.
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