Real Madrid will reportedly look to appoint 54-year-old Spanish tactician Unai Emery as the next head coach if Alvaro Arbeloa departs after the 2025/26 season.
According to an update by reputed Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Unai Emery is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are scouring the managerial market for a new head coach amid uncertainties surrounding Alvaro Arbeloa’s long-term future. They have already held initial talks over a possible move if Arbeloa leave after the 2025/26 season.
Unai Emery and his career so far
Unai Emery has established himself as one of the world’s most revered managers since replacing Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa. A native of Hondarribia, the Spaniard went under the radar during his professional career. However, he took little time to rise in prominence in the managerial sphere.
The 54-year-old enjoyed solid spells with Lorca Deportiva, Almería, and Valencia before experiencing tremendous success during his stint with Sevilla, winning the UEFA Europa League in three consecutive seasons. Since then, Emery has coached Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Villarreal, and Aston Villa, winning several honours with PSG and Villarreal.
While the Spanish tactician has not won any trophies during his spell with Aston Villa, he has been a successful appointment for the West Midlands outfit, as they have made consistent progress under him. The highest point may come this term, as the Villans are one of the favourites to win the UEFA Europa League and finish in the top four in the Premier League.
What next?
Unai Emery’s progress at Aston Villa has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. A fifth adventure in his homeland may be on the cards, with Real Madrid mulling over a possible move after the 2025/26 season.
Several managers are on Real Madrid’s wishlist, and they may pursue a new head coach after the 2025/26 season, as it is unclear if Alvaro Arbeloa will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond the 2025/26 season. Several candidates have thus emerged on Los Blancos’ radar, with Emery also a viable target.
The latest update has revealed that “have already been conversations in recent days to gauge his availability” beyond the 2025/26 season. It will be interesting to see if the former Arsenal manager leaves Aston Villa to join Real Madrid in the coming months.
