A new job for Raul? Legendary striker set to leave Real Madrid as German teams line up to hire aspiring head coach

Raul has been in charge of Real Madrid Castilla since June 2019 but now appears ready to make the step up in management, as the pathway to Los Blancos’ senior hotseat looks closed. According to AS, the legendary striker is attracting interest from Germany, with Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin and second-tier side Hamburg reportedly keen on the 46-year-old.

The links with Hamburg, who currently sit fourth in Germany’s second-tier, are particularly interesting as Felix Magath is said to be a key figure behind them - as he aims to become the club’s new sporting director. Magath was Raul’s manager during his successful stint at Schalke and the two subsequently share a good relationship. As for Union Berlin, Raul was a reported target for them when they sacked Urs Fischer earlier this season, but they ultimately brought in Nenad Bjelica.

Raul spent two years in the Bundesliga with Schalke after leaving Real Madrid in 2010 and achieved iconic status at the club. He won the DFB-Pokal in 2010-11 and finished with 40 goals in 97 appearances across all competitions - including five in 12 Champions League outings.

With Xabi Alonso being touted as the eventual successor to Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu, Raul will have to look elsewhere for a more prestigious management role. To help with his next step, he has hired agent Pablo Barquero - the man responsible for guiding the successful career of Manchester City midfielder Rodri.