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Excitement radiated from the Bayern Munich German contingent once they returned to Munich airport after a successful World Cup. The reporters meeting them were just as giddy, but for a different reason.
They could hear first hand the transfer status of Toni Kroos. Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge provided the words they wanted.
"I can basically say that both we and Toni are in talks with Real Madrid," Rummenigge said to the Bavarian broadcast. "I'll put it this way: someone receives a contract extension on fair terms for both sides, that did not happen. And then it is exactly so, that someone cannot prevent a transfer after this World Cup. And it is now possible, that it will come around."
Kroos has one year left on his contract, and sources from Spain have linked him with a move to Champions League semifinal foe Real Madrid throughout the World Cup. The reported transfer fee would be €25 million, the same amount Bayern received from Manchester United for the purchase of Owen Hargreaves.
The 24-year-old told Spanish television station EFE after the World Cup that he was going to Real Madrid "to live a second dream." Kroos's agent, Volker Struth, denied that an agreement was not finished, but its completion could be on the horizon.
"It is not yet decided where Toni Kroos's path is going. I will not vouch for that. Toni will first come to me in Mallorca, then we will sit together and will decide what he does. We will make our decision known Tuesday night or Wednesday morning."
Volker Struth, Kölner Express
Bayern is not known for being a selling club, as former president Uli Hoeneβ has said emphatically many times. This situation seems to be a bit different this go around, as Bayern appear to be cashing in on their investment before it defaults.
"We do not want to lose him on a free transfer."
"We also have this financial due diligence for the club and we don't want to allow this luxury."
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, dpa via Transfermarkt
With the World Cup now over and preseason training starting to ramp up for Bayern players, a decision regarding Kroos looks visible on the horizon.