Real Madrid News
Real Madrid looking to sign a right-back next season; Barcelona target among options
Real Madrid have a fair bit of business to conduct ahead of the summer transfer window, with several positions in need of reinforcement.
The likes of Karim Benzema, Ferland Mendy, Daniel Carvajal have been playing without a proper backup through the season, while Real Madrid are not fully sold on any right-wingers.
While they are very close to signing Jude Bellingham, as reported by multiple sources, they are also looking to sign a right-back in the summer, according to BILD. Players like Diogo Dalot and Juan Foyth are among options for that role.
A move for Dalot will be difficult for Madrid, considering the player is in talks to sign an extension with Manchester United. His one-year automatic extension has also been triggered by the club, which means he has been tied to Old Trafford until 2024.
Foyth, meanwhile, is on the agenda of Barcelona, as well. He is Xavi’s first-choice to reinforce the right-back position, but will cost upwards of €54 million, which is release clause.
Villarreal also want his release clause paid in full, at least by Barcelona, given the Catalans’ delicate financial situation. Madrid, on the other hand, will not have much trouble affording his contract.
Reports have also claimed that they are also keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutchman is on Manchester United’s radar, though, and will likely attract a lot more attention as the season goes on.
These reports come on the back of Daniel Carvajal’s less-than-ideal performances this season. The Spaniard has played 24 games in the league, setting up two goals in the process.
Lucas Vazquez has been playing as a backup for Carvajal this season, with Alvaro Odrioziola barely getting any minutes. His departure in this summer is almost sealed, too, which should open the doors for a new signing.
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.
