Legendary former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos is extremely happy to see talented youngster Arda Guler getting a lot of playing under Xabi Alonso this season. While the ex-German international doesn't necessarily see Guler as his natural successor in midfield, he has absolutely no qualms about the fact that the Turkish international possesses all the tools to mark an era at the Bernabeu.
Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign in-form left-back Alejandro Grimaldo from their Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports from Germany. The Spanish international has been enjoying great form in recent years and was linked with a return to Spain over the summer, but eventually opted to stay with Die Werkself for another year.
Pedro Leon has opened up on his turbulent spell under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, insisting he has “forgiven” the Portuguese coach despite the harsh treatment he received. The former winger recalled the infamous “he’s not Zinedine Zidane or Diego Maradona” jibe and revealed how the controversy still shapes how he views his career more than a decade later.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has dismissed any talk of tension between Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal following their fiery exchange in El Clasico. The national team boss revealed he personally spoke to both players and confirmed there “wouldn't be any problem" between them as La Roja prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers this month.
Dean Huijsen has stepped forward to defend Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Jr, insisting both stars face unfair levels of scrutiny as media pressure intensifies around Barcelona and Real Madrid. The 20-year-old Madrid centre-back discussed the growing noise around Spanish football, calling for balance as the national team head into crucial World Cup qualifiers without the injured Yamal.
Harry Kane has received more transfer advice from Chris Waddle, with the England captain being told that “Bayern Munich are massive but Real Madrid are even bigger”. It has been revealed that exit clauses in Kane’s contract at the Allianz Arena can be triggered in 2026. A Premier League return is considered to be unlikely, but the prolific striker could end up heading for Spain.
Yan Diomande, the breakout star of the Bundesliga this season, has been sensational for RB Leipzig since making the switch from La Liga in the summer. His performances, per reports from Germany, have attracted the interest of Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The teenager has been predicted to become as good as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Carlo Ancelotti has lifted the lid on why his final season at Real Madrid unravelled despite Kylian Mbappe’s blockbuster arrival. Speaking from Brazil, the legendary coach detailed the defensive crisis that derailed Los Blancos’ campaign and forced tactical improvisation in key moments as the campaign ended without a major trophy.
Real Madrid are close to finalising a loan move for out-of-favour striker Endrick as rumoured suitors Manchester United fall behind in the pursuit of the Brazilian wonderkid. The 19-year-old has struggled to find minutes under Xabi Alonso, and a temporary transfer has been arranged to relaunch his career after a frustrating few months at the Spanish capital.
Kylian Mbappe has cheekily hinted that his France teammate Dayot Upamecano could find “better teams” than Bayern Munich in a playful invitation to join him at Real Madrid. The defender is out of contract in 2026, and talks with Bayern remain unresolved. With Los Blancos searching for a long-term defensive anchor, Mbappe’s comments have reignited talk of a blockbuster French reunion in Madrid.
Former Manchester United scout Piotr Sadowski has blasted the Red Devils for letting some top talents leave the club in recent years. The Red Devils have a proud history when it comes to developing young players and bringing them into the first team at Old Trafford, but Sadowski says some bad mistakes have been made and highlighted one player in particular who has been allowed to leave for a small fee.
Florian Wirtz has been compared to Luka Modric, with Liverpool's struggling £116m signing being backed to silence his doubters just as the former Real Madrid midfielder did. Wirtz was considered one of the brightest midfield talents in the world at Bayer Leverkusen, but the Germany international has experienced a major dip in form since moving to the Premier League.
Kenan Yildiz’s future at Juventus is in serious doubt, with contract talks between the young Turkish forward and the club put on hold after months of negotiations. Top European giants, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid, are now ready to move for the 20-year-old. The German-born, who joined the Old Lady in 2022, is under contract with the Serie A side until 2029.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that institutional relations between them and their Clasico rivals Real Madrid "aren't good because they appeared in the Negreira case, presenting irrelevant and inconclusive evidence." The Catalans have been embroiled in legal proceedings over allegations that they paid Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of the Spanish Referees' Committee (CTA), to influence matches.
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has convinced "very dangerous" Vinicius Junior to take up a surprise new role in the national team. With only a few months left until the 2026 World Cup kicks off in North America, the veteran Italian coach is trying to find the best possible attacking combination in the Selecao squad as he aims to deliver the country's record-extending sixth global crown.
Manchester United have reportedly made a shock transfer approach for out-of-favour Real Madrid forward Endrick amid concern over Benamin Sesko's fitness. The Brazil international is eyeing a temporary move away from Santiago Bernabeu in the January transfer window after struggling for game time at Madrid under Xabi Alonso. With the World Cup fast approaching, the youngster is hoping to play as many matches as possible.
A new report from Spain has underlined the steps Real Madrid are prepared to take as they aim to recover Franco Mastantuono after he was diagnosed with pubalgia, the same injury that has plagued Lamine Yamal in recent weeks. The Argentine youngster was ruled out ahead of the clash against Liverpool last week, with no recovery timeline in sight at the moment. However, Los Blancos remain calm regarding his situation.
Dayot Upamecano has addressed ongoing uncertainty over his Bayern Munich future as several European giants circle ahead of a possible free transfer in the summer. The French defender has yet to agree a new deal with Bayern and insists his focus remains on performance, even as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League clubs prepare their approach. Upamecano has promised to make the “right decision” when the time comes.
Zinedine Zidane has sparked renewed excitement about his managerial comeback after stating that his return will happen “very soon.” The former Real Madrid coach has been out since 2021, but with Didier Deschamps set to leave the France job after the 2026 World Cup, speculation has intensified. Zidane’s comments at recent events suggest the wait may finally be nearing its end.
Former Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who managed Endrick last season and has now taken charge of the Brazil national team, has encouraged the promising young striker to "see what's best" for him amid his lack of playing time under Xabi Alonso. Reports are suggesting that Endrick could go out on loan in the upcoming winter transfer window to boost his chances of making it to Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad.
Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck is reportedly refusing to extend his contract with the club due to disagreements with coach Niko Kovac. The German centre-back is said to be unhappy with the overly pragmatic and unattractive style of football implemented by Kovac. This situation has alerted several top clubs, with Bayern Munich and Liverpool both showing interest in securing his signature.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have been put on high alert after 16-year-old Hertha Berlin sensation Kennet Eichhorn's release clause was revealed. Eichhorn has created history in Germany after establishing himself in the first team and is expected to be on the radar of Europe's elite next summer.
After days of silence, French rapper Orelsan has finally addressed his feud with Kylian Mbappe, following the Real Madrid star’s furious response to a lyric mocking his failed ownership of Caen. The rapper, who said he’d “rather think than react impulsively,” has decided to remain calm instead of charging into a confrontation, even as the feud keeps attracting more interest.
GOAL brings you the latest on the British players who are thriving away from home, as several stars choose to make a living in Europe and even beyond. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
Jude Bellingham inherited the No.5 shirt when joining Real Madrid and continues to look every inch the natural successor to Zinedine Zidane in that iconic jersey. World Cup-winning Frenchman Zidane once starred as a ‘Galactico’ for Los Blancos, and Bellingham is doing likewise. The England international delivered a couple of outrageous tricks during Real’s goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano.
The weekend before an international break always feels significant. Pick up a positive result and the only thing a manager really has to worry about is players suffering injury while representing their countries. A defeat, though, results in two torturous weeks as the result is pored over in the press while the coach waits for the opportunity to make amends.
Real Madrid
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