Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French football icon, is reportedly open to returning to Real Madrid as manager, but with a significant condition: the club must make specific signings to align with his vision. This development comes as current manager Carlo Ancelotti faces increasing pressure due to the team’s inconsistent performances this season.
Zidane, who previously led Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, has been without a managerial role since leaving the club in 2021. Despite interest from various top clubs, he has remained selective about his next move, expressing a preference for roles at Real Madrid or the French national team.
According to reports, Zidane’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu is contingent upon the club’s agreement to his transfer demands. He has identified key players he wishes to bring in, including Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich, and Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. These additions are aimed at strengthening the squad and implementing his tactical philosophy.
In terms of departures, Zidane has suggested offloading players such as Dani Ceballos, Lucas Vázquez, and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Notably, he has also proposed selling Vinícius Júnior, believing that the Brazilian forward’s presence could hinder the development of Kylian Mbappé, whom Zidane envisions as the future face of Real Madrid.
This potential managerial change comes amid a challenging period for Real Madrid. Despite winning La Liga and the Champions League last season, the team has struggled to maintain form, leading to speculation about Ancelotti’s future. Zidane’s possible return could signal a new direction for the club, focusing on a blend of experienced signings and emerging talents.
As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Real Madrid meets Zidane’s conditions, potentially ushering in a new era under his leadership.