Real Madrid News
Real Madrid could hand ‘number 7’ jersey to €120 million-rated midfielder
Jude Bellingham remains one of the priorities for Real Madrid heading into a reported revolutionary summer transfer window. The Englishman is in close proximity to Los Blancos, who hope to secure his signature at the earliest.
After a series of departures that relieved a great deal of strain from Madrid’s weighty wage bill, allotments are open in abundance, with Bellingham set to fill in the midfield department.
The Borussia Dortmund sensation is currently a highly sought-after asset, given he secured the Player of the Year award in the Bundesliga.
With Real Madrid reportedly set to spend €100-120 million on his signing, El Mundo claims Bellingham would be given the legendary No. 7 jersey at the club with Eden Hazard’s exit leaving the kit free for any potential successors.
Success for players with this number has dried up as the previous owners of the iconic ‘7’ were Hazard and Mariano, who endured their fair share of struggles.
But Real Madrid have a long list of legendary players who have worn the No. 7 jersey. Some of the names that come to mind immediately are Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Amancio, Emilio Butragueno, and Raymond Kopa.
In such a context, Bellingham will undeniably have big boots to fill as expectations will be mounting.
Nonetheless, the Englishman has shown a history of shining under gruelling circumstances. From making a name for himself at Birmingham City to prevailing in a completely foreign land with Dortmund, he continues to elevate to greater heights.
Given Real Madrid have lacked a successful spell with their recent number 7s, passing the torch to a player that will come for a mammoth fee does make sense.
However, Bellingham is unlikely to be the only superstar signing this summer as links with the likes of Harry Kane and Kai Havertz continue to intensify. If Madrid secure more attacking signings, competition for the iconic shirt number will undeniably rise.
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.
