Real Madrid News
Real Madrid make contact with Zinedine Zidane over possible return – report
Even though Carlo Ancelotti has insisted time and again that he wishes to fulfil his contract at Real Madrid, which expires next year, rumours over his future refuse to go away.
Ancelotti’s continuity at Real Madrid could be in jeopardy if he fails to deliver the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League trophies, especially given their poor showings in La Liga.
At the same time, the Brazilian national team continue to lie in wait to try and appoint the Italian tactician as their next manager and have given him a deadline of May 25 to answer.
Real Madrid have been linked with Mauricio Pochettino as a possible replacement but the Argentine seems to be on his way to Chelsea. Julian Nagelsmann is another name on the agenda, although some doubts persist over him after how things went at Bayern Munich.
Another name that is under consideration at the Santiago Bernabeu if Ancelotti is no longer in charge after the current season is former manager and club legend Zinedine Zidane.
And, according to fresh reports from Foot Mercato, Real Madrid have already made contact with Zidane over a possible return ahead of next season in case Ancelotti were to leave.
The 50-year-old enjoyed two special stints as manager of Real Madrid, leading the club to a hat-trick of Champions League triumphs in his first spell, along with several other titles and won the La Liga title in his second stint.
In all, Zidane led Real Madrid to as many as 11 trophies across two spells before stepping away in 2021. Since then he has been unattached, and had been waiting for the France national team job. But with Didier Deschamps renewing his contract that is no longer an option.
Juventus and PSG have been mentioned as possible destinations for Zidane, but a return to Real Madrid, even though it could be complicated, is not ruled out.
In fact, Foot Mercato reports that contacts have resumed between Zizou and the Merengues over a possible return this summer as uncertainty looms over Ancelotti’s future.
Zidane’s possible return could also open the doors for Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid. The French forward snubbed the Spanish giants last summer in favour of remaining at PSG but is understood to have grown unhappy at his club and wants to join Los Blancos.
Zidane’s return could further reinforce Mbappe’s desire to sign for the Merengues, while the club could also warm up to the idea despite being brutally snubbed last summer.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
