Zinedine Zidane is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Xabi Alonso, but will only agree if Real Madrid meets his demands to sell Vinícius Jr. and rebuild the squad.
Zidane ready to return to the Bernabéu
According to Sky Sports, Zinedine Zidane is Real Madrid’s top priority to replace Xabi Alonso as head coach. The French legend is reportedly ready to return, but only if his conditions regarding personnel and transfers are fully met.
Zidane has not held a coaching job since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. However, he maintains a good relationship with President Florentino Perez and left a massive legacy with three consecutive Champions League titles.
Real Madrid is targeting Zidane to replace Xabi Alonso (Image: Tribuna).
Demands for squad reconstruction
The key condition the French strategist has set is that Vinícius Júnior must leave the club. Zidane insists that Kylian Mbappé needs to play in his preferred position on the left wing, which means there is no longer a place for Vinícius in his plans.
In addition, Zidane also wants Real Madrid to part ways with players who no longer fit his philosophy, including Dani Ceballos and Brahim Díaz.
Coach Zidane reportedly wants to remove Vinicius from the Real Madrid squad if he takes over the team.
Besides clearing out the squad, Zidane also demands that the management make three urgent signings to strengthen the team, including a center forward, a defensive midfielder, and a left-back, to rebuild the team according to his tactical vision.
Context and other options
Pressure is mounting on coach Xabi Alonso after the recent 1-2 defeat against Manchester City, fueling speculation about a change in management. Initially, Zidane was expected to wait for the opportunity to manage the French national team in the summer of 2026, but the developments at the Bernabeu could cause him to change his plans.
Besides Zidane, Real Madrid is also considering Jürgen Klopp as a potential option. Meanwhile, Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa is patiently waiting for his opportunity.