Real Madrid News
Benzema given freedom to choose any Saudi Arabian club by the government – report
El Mundob (h/t Madrid Xtra) brings to light some staggering details about the offer made by Saudi Arabia to Karim Benzema for a move in June. Considering the perks and details of the deal, one will not find the Frenchman’s dilemma absurd any longer.
Real Madrid indeed offer him the luxury of competitive football at the highest level and the chance to pursue the UEFA Champions League for another season. Given the age of the player, however, there is a point where one opts for financial security over sporting success, especially for one who has won it all.
It is already known that the Middle east based league offers him a contract for two seasons that is worth a gargantuan €400 million. The Spanish outlet adds intricate details about the financial perks and freedom that Benzema could enjoy next season.
The report states that the Ballon d’Or winner will have to pay no taxes on his wage, for starters. Further, he will be entitled to 100% of his image rights and the revenue it generates in addition to the commercial deals he signs up for.
In what is a rather rare proposal, Benzema can choose to join any club in any city of his choice in the Saudi League. Further, he will be provided with any luxuries that he demands during his tenure in Saudi Arabia.
Such an offer would tempt any player from anywhere across the globe. It would in fact come as a surprise if Benzema opted to reject such a lucrative offer and stay at Real Madrid.
The striker is expected to make an official announcement regarding his future by Sunday. At this point, however, the chance of him continuing look bleak, and Florentino Perez might as well begin planning for next season without him.
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.
