Sami Khedira’s contract will expire on June 31st and he is now free to negotiate a new deal with any other club. Although he was expected to sign for Bayern Munich, Xabi Alonso’s arrival to the German side could have closed that door, and the player seems now willing to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Los Blancos directors had already planned the future of Real Madrid without the Germany international, and now they are discussing whether they should offer Khedira a contract extension or part ways with him.
Khedira has been a key player for Los Merengues in the last few years. Yet, injury problems and the arrival of new players have reduced the midfielder’s minutes of action. With Toni Kroos and Luka Modric consolidated as Carlo Ancelotti’s favourites for that position, Khedira is no longer a guaranteed starter.
Moreover, the German is not even the third option for Ancelotti. With Modric injured, the Italian has preferred to try Isco in that role, and even Asier Illarramendi has often paired with Kroos leaving Khedira on the bench.
Against Valencia last Sunday, when Los Blancos were losing the battle in midfield, Ancelotti turned to Khedira in order to recover the balance between attack and defence. The 27-year-old did well and the team improved having him on the field, and Ancelotti picked him to display a more balanced starting eleven against Atletico.
That is surely a role Khedira can still play for Madrid. He’s a man who can add an extra defensive strength when needed, especially in away games, while also contributing in attack. Every time he enters the box he surprises the opposite defence and causes confusion. That is something Illarramendi still lacks.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid sports directors are focussed on creating a midfield line for the future, and it seems like Khedira won’t be part of it. Los Blancos are working hard to sign Cruzeiro’s midfielder Lucas Silva, who would play a similar role. Illarramendi, for whom the club paid 38 million euros, is also considered as a crucial player for the future. And Los Merengues are also closely following the progression of Casemiro, who is set to return from his loan at Porto.
Thus, it seems like Madrid should let Khedira go after five seasons. The player should also look for a team where he can get the minutes of play he deserves. He is still 27 and has a lot to offer. He has given the Santiago Bernabeu great moments, but it looks like those times will not come back. Many European giants will surely be eager to welcome him.
I personally like the physicality aspect he can bring to the team. However, he doesn’t seem to fulfill that mission. For a player like him, i believe he should be more physical and though on defensive play. REAL needs a though player in the midfield to disturb the opponents’ attacks.