Zinedine Zidane is said to have agreed to take over as manager of Olympique de Marseille if the club is sold to Saudi Arabia.
According to France Blue Provence, the former Real Madrid manager has agreed to take over as manager of Stade Velodrome. If the projected sale of Marseille to the Gulf State goes through, Zidane will take over as manager.
The desire, however, may be put on hold because the present owner, Frank McCourt, has indicated unequivocally that the club is not for sale. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia has shown a strong desire to purchase the French club, picturing a metamorphosis similar to Newcastle’s in England.
According to reports, Zidane has sought a huge £260 million transfer budget in order to ease his return to Marseille. He also wants control over recruitment, which has been approved by Saudi officials. After all of that, the final decision rests with Marseille’s owner, McCourt, who must be persuaded to sell if Zidane is to return to his former team.
Marseille named Genaro Gattuso as their new head coach on Wednesday, replacing Marcelino. He will remain in charge for the time being until the takeover is done and Zidane takes control.
