Unai Emery added to Real Madrid shortlist as club look beyond Arbeloa | OneFootball

Villa boss emerges as surprise name in Bernabéu plans

Unai Emery added to Real Madrid shortlist as club look beyond Arbeloa

Real Madrid reportedly opened talks with Aston Villa coach Unai Emery as they search for a long-term replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa.

Madrid begin coaching plans for next season

Real Madrid started early steps to appoint new head coach for next season, with reports suggesting the club is already looking beyond current manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

Arbeloa handed the job only weeks ago after Real Madrid dismissed Xabi Alonso following painful 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup final 2026 in Jeddah.

Now according to several media reports including Sky Sports, the club has begun making contact with Unai Emery, the head coach of Aston Villa as a possible future option.

Emery added to Real Madrid shortlist

The report states that the 54 year-old Spanish coach is among the main candidates being considered by the Madrid board for the 2026 /27 campaign.

Real Madrid see Emery as strong choice because of his long experience in European football and his ability to build competitive teams.

His work in England has attracted praise especially this season.

Aston Villa’s strong form boosts Emery’s reputation

Emery helped Aston Villa become one of the standout teams in the Premier League this season.

Villa currently sit third in the league table, only four point behind leaders Arsenal making them serious contenders at the top end of English football.

That progress has increased interest in Emery from major clubs, with Real Madrid now watching his situation closely as they plan their next coaching move.

Madrid facing another transition

Real Madrid gone through several major changes in recent months starting with Alonso’s exit after the Super Cup loss and the short-term appointment of Arbeloa.

With expectations always high at the Santiago Bernabeu, the club’s leadership appears determined to secure proven coach for the long term.