Real Madrid News
Real Madrid were offered the chance to sign one of the best goalkeepers in the world – report
The goalkeeping department has become a subject of major discussion lately, with Thibaut Courtois’ contract expiring at the end of the season.
A recent report had indicated that Real Madrid are interested in Diogo Costa as a potential long-term replacement for Courtois, who is already 34.
Costa, though, is not the only option and it appears Real Madrid have had the opportunity to sign various other top goalkeepers across Europe.
Kobel was offered to Real Madrid
According to Diario AS, one of the goalkeepers who were offered to Real Madrid was none other than Gregor Kobel.
The Swiss international, currently plying his trade for Borussia Dortmund, has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the world in last few years.
The report adds that Real Madrid had been monitoring Kobel’s progress for a long time but their interest in the goalkeeper has not gone further.
It must be noted that Los Blancos have friendly relations with Borussia Dortmund, with the two clubs having been involved in several deals in the past, including Jude Bellingham.
But it appears Real Madrid are currently happy with Courtois, who is expected to sign a contract extension until 2028.
Why Kobel could be the ideal replacement
Once Courtois’ time is over, though, Kobel is one of the most viable candidates to replace the veteran Belgian.
As mentioned earlier, the Swiss international is easily one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having shown exceptional skill and performance at Dortmund.
Kobel is an exceptional shot-stopper and like most modern goalkeepers, he is good on the ball as well. What makes him particularly effective is his imposing presence inside the box.
Standing at 1.96m, Kobel is very decisive and can impose himself in the penalty area. At 28, he is also in the peak of his powers and years ahead of him.
With 221 appearances already for Dortmund, Kobel seems more than ready to take the next step in his career and a role to replace Courtois in the long run is a job ideally suited for the Swiss.
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.
