Real Madrid make early contact over Unai Emery future

Real Madrid have made exploratory contact with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, according to reports in Spain, as uncertainty continues to surround the Spanish giants’ long-term plans in the dugout.

Spanish journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon claims that Real Madrid have already reached out to Emery’s camp in recent days to assess the feasibility of a future move. While no formal offer has been made, the contact alone has heightened intrigue around Emery’s standing in Spain.

Real Madrid only appointed Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor last summer, but that chapter has already closed. Despite winning 20 of his 28 matches in charge, Alonso was dismissed earlier this month, a decision that underlined the club’s unforgiving standards.

Álvaro Arbeloa was promoted internally to steady the ship, but results have been mixed. Three wins and two defeats have followed, including Wednesday night’s 4-2 Champions League loss to Benfica. That defeat saw Real Madrid finish ninth in the league phase, missing out on automatic qualification for the last 16.

Against that backdrop, Real Madrid’s hierarchy are assessing longer-term options — and Emery has moved into focus.

Álvarez de Mon reports that Emery would be the leading candidate should Real Madrid opt for a managerial reset after the season. The Villa boss is highly regarded for his tactical structure, European pedigree and ability to elevate squads without superstar budgets.

The journalist states that contact was initiated to understand whether Emery could be tempted away from Villa Park, rather than as part of an active negotiation.

Notably, there is no indication yet of Emery’s own willingness to entertain such a move.

Any Real Madrid pursuit would be complex. Emery is under contract at Aston Villa until 2029, having joined the club in October 2022 after Villa activated his €6m release clause from Villarreal.

There have been conflicting reports over whether a similar clause exists in his current deal — and if so, at what level. Villa have remained tight-lipped on the matter, reinforcing their stance that Emery is central to their long-term project.

Earlier this season, Villa director Damià Vidagany suggested Emery is undervalued in Spain because he has never managed Real Madrid or Barcelona. That assessment now looks increasingly outdated.

In Madrid, there is a long-held belief that any coach would jump at the chance to manage Los Blancos. However, Emery’s current position offers stability, control and backing — elements often scarce at the Bernabéu.

Having followed Aston Villa closely, Emery’s influence extends far beyond results. Recruitment strategy, player development and European progression have all been shaped in his image.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions. Contact does not equal commitment, and Real Madrid are known for casting wide nets before narrowing focus.

Real Madrid’s immediate focus will be navigating the Champions League play-off round after missing automatic qualification. Any managerial decision is expected to wait until the summer, allowing the club to assess Arbeloa’s performance and broader strategic needs. Aston Villa, meanwhile, are likely to move quietly to reinforce Emery’s long-term commitment should speculation intensify.

Would leaving Aston Villa for Real Madrid be the right move for Unai Emery — or is staying put the smarter long-term decision?