'We have others': Carlo Ancelotti rules out one Real Madrid player as Toni Kroos successor

"Is Bellingham the replacement for Kroos? No, I think not," Carlo Ancelotti told the media after the German's last game at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"The closer Bellingham is to the penalty area the better for us. We have other midfielders," the boss explained.

Real Madrid are expected to give more game time to Eduardo Camavinga amid Toni Kroos' decision to retire. The club aren't expected to sign a direct replacement for the German this summer; they've been linked with the potential signing of Florian Wirtz for 2025, however.

Kroos has been the Whites' starting central midfielder for the last 10 years, making a total of 464 appearances for the club.