Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to become the manager of Olympique de Marseille if the club is acquired by Saudi Arabia.
According to France Blue Provence, the former Real Madrid manager has given his consent to take over as the head coach at Stade Vélodrome should the proposed sale of Marseille to the Gulf State come to fruition.
However, this dream may be deferred as the current owner, Frank McCourt, has firmly stated that the club is not available for sale.
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia has expressed strong interest in acquiring the French club, envisioning a transformation similar to Newcastle’s resurgence in England.
Reports suggest that Zidane has requested a significant £260 million transfer budget to facilitate his return to Marseille.
Additionally, he desires control over recruitment, a request that has garnered approval from the Saudi authorities.
Nonetheless, the ultimate decision lies with Marseille’s owner, McCourt, who must be persuaded to sell for Zidane to return to his former club.
In the meantime, Genaro Gattuso was unveiled as Marseille’s new head coach on Wednesday, succeeding Marcelino.
He will continue to lead the team until the takeover is finalised and Zidane assumes the managerial role.