Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify former youth team star as exit-bound veteran’s replacement – report
Real Madrid are preparing for a significant defensive overhaul this summer, and one of the biggest talking points revolves around the future of David Alaba.
Once a pillar of experience at the back, the Austrian defender now appears to be approaching the final chapter of his time at the club.
According to a recent report from Fichajes, Real Madrid are exploring internal and external solutions to replace the veteran and a surprising name has entered the conversation.
The club is reportedly considering bringing back former academy product Jacobo Ramón as a potential replacement.
Farewell Alaba
Alaba’s situation at Real Madrid has been building for some time.
While his quality and leadership have never been in doubt, persistent injury issues have disrupted his rhythm and limited his ability to contribute consistently.
Over the past season, maintaining fitness has been a recurring challenge, and it has ultimately affected his standing within the squad.
From the club’s perspective, they are aiming to refresh their defensive structure, focusing on players who can offer long-term reliability and physical continuity.
Moving on from Alaba would not only create space in the squad but also free up resources to reinvest in younger, more durable options.
A strong contender
Amid this context, the emergence of Jacobo Ramon as a candidate is particularly intriguing.
A product of La Fabrica, the young defender left the club last summer in search of regular first-team football and his move to Como has proven to be a smart step in his development.
In Italy, he has gained valuable experience by playing a key role in Como’s strong push for the Champions League qualification spots.
Furthermore, what makes this option particularly appealing for Real Madrid is that they have several buyback clauses in his deal.
To begin with, if they plan to bring him this season, they will only have to pay €8 million. The amount increases to €9 and €10 million in 2027 and 2028 respectively.
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.
