Schalke to make ambitious approach to land Real Madrid legend as their new head coach as they aim to seal Bundesliga return

According to a report from Sport BILD (h/t Get Germany Football News), Schalke are set to offer Raul Gonzalez the head coach position as the German outfit aim to make a return to the Bundesliga.

Raul played for Schalke between 2010 and 2012 after leaving Real Madrid as their record appearance maker (741 goals) and leading goal scorer of all-time (323 goals), the latter broken by Cristiano Ronaldo as he left Madrid in 2018 with 451 goals in the shirt.

Schalke remain hopeful of appointing former striker Raul as head coach. Despite failed attempts last May and September, with Raul not willing to take over mid-season, they plan another approach if Kees van Wonderen is dismissed in the summer. This depends on the future of sporting director Ben Manga, whose departure between now and the end of the season is not ruled out.

It's not the first time a Bundesliga club has been linked with Raul. Last summer, Union Berlin and Hamburg were rumoured to be interested in the Spanish coach's services.

Earlier reports indicated that Real Madrid are prepared to offer Raul either a spot on Carlo Ancelotti's coaching staff or an administrative role within the club's youth academy, where he would collaborate with former player and manager Santiago Solari. The Castilla head coach job would, therefore, go to former right-back Alvaro Arbeloa, who is currently in charge of the Juvenil A team.

Raul has attracted interest from several clubs during his time with Castilla but has remained committed to Real Madrid, focusing on the club’s long-term vision and player development. The coming months will determine where his future lies, but it's clear his journey with Madrid is far from over, with many expecting the La Fabrica graduate to one day take over the reins as Madrid's head coach.