Real Madrid News
28-year-old Manchester City star on the radars of Real Madrid – report
Real Madrid have suffered in the full-back department all season. While the team’s deficiencies have primarily been at the left-back position, the right-back department also has no successor to Dani Carvajal.
According to reports from Kerry Hau of Sport1, Real Madrid are monitoring Joao Cancelo’s situation very closely and could make a move for him in June.
The Portuguese international made himself a household name under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. His stocks shot through the roof during his four-year spell at Etihad as the Spanish tactician brought out his very best in a plethora of positions.
Cancelo then joined Bayern Munich on a loan deal in January after a falling out at Manchester City. His spell in Germany, got off to a rough start with the player not getting as many minutes as he would have liked under his belt. But things are improving since Thomas Tuchel took over as manager.
In 13 Bundesliga appearances so far this season, Cancelo has scored one goal and provided four assists for the Bavarians. He averages one key pass per game and has created four big chances.
Manchester City want a fee of €70 million from Bayern Munich to make Cancelo’s move permanent in June. The Germans see the number to be steep and are not keen on exercising the clause. In such a situation, Real Madrid could swoop in, especially if a lower fee can be agreed upon.
The Portuguese international not brings not only quality but also some much-needed versatility to the table. He can operate both as a left-back and a right-back.
With the future of Nacho Fernandez unclear, Real Madrid could really do with a dynamic player who can cover multiple roles in the defensive line.
Cancelo would fit that bill and a move is possible if an economic midpoint can be reached. After all, they rejected his signing for the steep fee not so long ago.
Apart from Cancelo, Real Madrid are also looking at his Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker and PSG ace Achraf Hakimi as options to reinforce the right-back slot.
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
