Real Madrid legend Raul emerges as target for Spain U21 job after ending six-year spell in charge of La Liga giants' reserve team

According to Marca, Raul has emerged as the top candidate to replace Denia as Spain’s U21 head coach. After ending his six-year tenure at Real Madrid Castilla, Raul is now in early discussions with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Denia is set to leave his role after his side's Euro 2025 exit at the hands of England on Saturday and will take over Qatari side Al-Shahaniya, bringing his long and successful journey with Spain’s youth teams to an end. Raul’s potential appointment fits a long-standing RFEF tradition of hiring former national team stars with youth coaching experience.

His deep ties to Spanish football and success developing players at Castilla make him a natural successor. If selected, the 47-year-old would lead Spain’s U21 side into a new competitive cycle, eyeing qualification for the 2027 Euros and the 2028 Olympics.

The former Real Madrid striker played 102 matches for Spain and scored 44 goals, second only to David Villa (59). He turns 48 this week and is seen as a long-term coaching option for the senior national team. Previous U21 coaches like Julen Lopetegui and Luis Milla also transitioned from youth to senior roles in Spain’s setup.

For now, it's just a matter of making contact. Raul has offers, with German teams still valuing the strong image he built during his time at Schalke. However, taking charge of the Spain U21 team fits well with his current priorities, as joining the national setup could position him as a strong future candidate for the senior team role.