Real Madrid News
World Cup-winning manager seen as ‘unlikely candidate’ for Real Madrid job
Real Madrid are once again at a defining moment, with the club hierarchy actively reviewing their strategy after a second consecutive trophyless campaign.
The pressure is mounting on president Florentino Perez to make the right call ahead of what promises to be a crucial summer rebuild.
One name that has surfaced recently is Didier Deschamps. The Frenchman, whose current deal with the national team runs until after the upcoming World Cup, has been discussed as a potential candidate to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
A Real Madrid-esque coach?
As such, Deschamps’ profile naturally stands out.
As a World Cup-winning coach with France in 2018, he has built a reputation for managing star-studded dressing rooms, a quality that aligns perfectly with Real Madrid’s current squad dynamics.
There is also a significant dressing room angle, as Kylian Mbappe, one of the team’s central figures, shares a strong relationship with Deschamps from their time with the national team.
That connection could, in theory, ease any transition and give the manager immediate credibility within the squad.
Reality is different
However, despite the growing noise, sources close to the situation have played down the speculation.
According to MARCA, while Deschamps’ name has indeed been mentioned, he is not viewed as a leading candidate at this stage.
In fact, those close to the French camp have denied that he is seriously in contention for the role.
Notably, the timing of his potential departure from France, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to succeed him after the World Cup, had opened a window of opportunity.
Real Madrid were known to be monitoring that situation closely, but interest does not necessarily translate into intent.
As things stand, the club remains in evaluation mode. While Deschamps is admired, respected, and fits certain criteria, the move appears unlikely for now.
Real Madrid have identified the midfield department as a key area of the squad that needs strengthening next year.
Having failed to sign Rodri this past summer, the Merengues understand that a major signing is necessary in the position.
Several names have already been linked as potential targets for the Spanish capital club, one of whom happens to be AFC Bournemouth rising star Alex Scott.
Indeed, Real Madrid have scouted the England international this season and are continuing to closely monitor his development in the Premier League.
However, competition for the 23-year-old midfielder’s services is already heating up.
AC Milan eye Alex Scott
Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t AS), Italian giants AC Milan have set their sights on Scott to replace Real Madrid legend Luka Modric next season.
Modric, at 41, is entering the final phase of his career and his contract with the Rossoneri stands to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
As such, the Serie A heavyweights will need to rope in a replacement and have seemingly identified Scott, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar, as an option.
Apart from AC Milan, even Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 23-year-old England star, and might even be willing to make a move for him in January.
This complicates the situation for Real Madrid, who would ideally wait until the summer of 2027 to reinforce their midfield unit.
€50 million for Scott?
Furthermore, the report states that Scott is valued by Bournemouth at around €50 million, a fee that could be an issue for AC Milan.
That figure, however, should not pose a challenge for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the increasing competition for the 23-year-old’s services could drive up the price further, making things complicated.
For now, though, Real Madrid’s interest in Scott has been limited to scouting and monitoring his progress and compiling reports on him.
Whether it translates into a formal approach and offer in the summer or in January itself remains to be seen.
