Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has previously been linked to Paris Saint-Germain for the coaching position. However, nothing serious would come out of the reporting from various outlets.
However, Zidane could be coaching his hometown club, Olympique de Marseille, and challenge Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance in Ligue 1 since the Qatar Sports Investment takeover in 2011.
France Bleu Provence reports that Zidane has given his agreement to Saudi Arabia to become the general manager of Marseille if they buy the club. Additionally, the French tactician will be in charge of recruitment; he would be given a budget of €300 million.
❗️Zinedine Zidane has given his agreement to Saudi Arabia to become the General Manager of Marseille if they buy the club.
Zidane will be in-charge of recruitment, he would be given a budget of €300M. @bleuprovence 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/YGsWGSrmEw
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 28, 2023
Marseille is in a crisis, and the 4-0 thrashing that PSG gave them this past weekend only added fuel to the fire. Nonetheless, a takeover similar to what Saudi Arabia did with Newcastle United would pose a real challenge to the Parisians.
For the most part, Saudi Arabia has run the Magpies well and has them back in the UEFA Champions League. A takeover of Marseille would be ideal for French football and could consistently create a two-horse race for Ligue 1.
Will it happen? These next few months should prove interesting as Saudi Arabia could grow its club profile.
