The French coach has reportedly given the green light to Saudi investors. The club, however, categorically deny this.
For many years now, there have been rumours of a possible takeover of Marseille by Saudi Arabia. According to France Bleu, Saudi Arabia has reportedly convinced Zinedine Zidane to become Marseille manager in the event of the club’s sale to the Gulf State. Zidane would reportedly have a budget of €300 million, which would allow them to compete with the big clubs in Europe.
Real Madrid return?
France Bleu report that Marseille - along with Real Madrid and Juventus - are the three clubs that Zizou could manage if offers come in. The former Real Madrid coach’s dream was the French national team, but Didier Deschamps renewed in January until 2026.
As for Marseille, who have just unveiled Gennaro Gattuso as Marcelino García Toral’s successor, there have always been rumours of a possible takeover by Saudi Arabia, but they have never materialised. Another obstacle, according to France Bleu, to a possible takeover of the club is that the owner, Franck McCourt, has consistently reiterated that OM “is not for sale”. The American landed in the city seven years ago and has ignored all the noise generated by Saudi Arabia. The supposed arrival of Zidane is, at the moment, a fantasy in its own right.