Real Madrid News
Real Madrid offer a new contract to Spaniard until 2026, but no improved role or salary
After a rather difficult start to the season when game-time was hard to come by, Dani Ceballos has forced his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at Real Madrid. While he is still not a permanent starter, the Spaniard has proven himself to be a valuable player, especially in the second half of the campaign.
And with his current contract with the club expiring on June 30, Real Madrid have made moves to try and tie him down to a new deal at the club.
Indeed, according to Onda Betica, Real Madrid have tabled a three-year contract proposal to Ceballos, which would keep him at the club until the summer of 2026. However, the new offer does not come with an increase in salary nor an improvement in his role within the team.
Ceballos already finds himself behind Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Federico Valverde in the pecking order while Eduardo Camavinga is also ahead of him when being used as an interior midfielder.
And with Real Madrid set to sign Jude Bellingham in the summer and there being some interest in Gabri Veiga as well, things could get even more difficult for the 26-year-old former Real Betis ace at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.
The former Arsenal loanee has previously maintained that he prioritises staying at the club. But, with no improvement in his role and no hike in wages, it remains to be seen if Ceballos would be willing to continue as a Real Madrid player beyond the current campaign.
Ceballos’ representatives will likely meet with Real Madrid officials at the end of the season to discuss the next move. For now, though, there is an offer on the table and the midfielder will assess all possible options before deciding.
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.
