Zidane agrees to become Marseille manager in event of club’s sale to Saudi

France Bleu Provence are reporting that Zinédine Zidane has reached an agreement with Saudi Arabia to become the manager of Olympique de Marseille, in the event of the club’s sale to the Gulf State.

OM’s supporters have long since dreamed of seeing Zidane, a Marseillais, in the dugout of the Vélodrome. That dream now seems a little less distant. The former Real Madrid manager has reached an agreement to take over Les Phocéens, should Saudi Arabia takeover the club.

However, there is a considerable obstacle to Zidane’s arrival. Frank McCourt, Marseille’s current owner, only bought the club seven years ago, and he has repeatedly stated that OM is not for sale. France Bleu Provence are, however, that Saudi Arabia are very keen on purchasing the club, and “making it the Newcastle United of France.”

Zidane asked for a €300m budget to take the role, a demand which has been accepted by Saudi Arabia. The Frenchman has also asked to be in charge of Marseille’s recruitment, and once again, the Gulf State have approved this request. However, everything rests on Marseille being sold; Saudi Arabia has some convincing to do.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle