We’re still digesting today’s earth-shattering news: Zinedine Zidane announcing that he is stepping down as Real Madrid manager. In the wake of this big revelation, it’s already time to think about 1.) who Florentino Perez will bring in to replace him (go here for a list of six candidates) and 2.) where the Frenchman will go next.
The bookies have already set odds on what his landing spot could be, and three main destinations stand out above the rest. Let’s take a look at the three most realistic (at least for now) possibilities.
Chelsea
This could end up being a de facto manager “swap deal” if/when Stamford Bridge and Antonio Conte formally and officially part ways. Who knows when that could be, as the Italian is still in the job, 12 days after the conclusion of the season. Conte is being mentioned as a favorite to take the open Madrid job, should his time in west London be over.
Also, we know what a huge fan of Eden Hazard Zinedine Zidane is, as this fact is always brought up in Hazard to Real transfer rumors. Hey, instead of the Belgian going to Zidane, why not just have the manager come to him?
France
This is the reflex/gut reaction/default setting potential destination as Zidane is a former player who led Les Bleus to past glory.
What about incumbent boss Didier Deschamps however? How he does at the World Cup in a couple of weeks will surely determine his status, but his failure to deliver despite all the talent at his disposal has made him not so popular. He could be at the end of his rope, and if he’s ousted in favor of the 1998 World Cup champions team captain, what a great Hollywood level story that would make.
Manchester United
What if Old Trafford ousted Jose Mourinho? Would United fans want Zidane in charge? You can vote in this poll below, which is about evenly split.
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/1002168548083552256
This guy is certainly on board with this idea, as are many United fans on Twitter.
Legendary Zidane nine trophies in two and half years. Oh can Zidane be the next manager of Manchester United.
— Face (@danyl_vin) May 31, 2018
Perhaps no fan base has been discussing the idea of obtaining Zidane more than MUFC supporters right now, but Mourinho did just sign an extension this past season.
Other possibilities the media have mentioned: Tottenham Hotspur, Chinese Super League, MLS, Marseille
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.