Zinedine Zidane 'verbally agreed' to transfer that would've changed football history before sacking stopped move

In 1996 Zinedine Zidane had a ‘verbal agreement’ with one of Real Madrid’s rivals, but the supposed deal fell through after the club’s manager was sacked.

Zidane, 52, is widely considered to be one of Madrid’s greatest players having played for and managed Los Blancos.

During his playing career, Zidane was known for his elegant, almost effortless approach to the game which helped the Spanish side win the Champions League, La Liga, two Supercopa de Espanas, a UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

He later went on to manage the side to three Champions League crowns, two La Ligas, two Club World Cups, two Supercopa de Espanas and two European Super Cups.

So, it’s fair to say his legacy is already cemented in the Spanish capital. But things could have played out totally differently in 1996.

At the time, Zidane was still playing for then-Ligue 1 side Bordeaux and broke into the France national side two years prior.

Speaking to Spanish radio former Barcelona boss Johan Cruyff claimed he had verbally agreed on a deal with Zidane in 1996 but pulled the plug when Barca sacked him in April of that year.

"I used to verbally agree the contract with players in January or February," said Cruyff in an interview with Spanish radio [quotes via Sky Sports].

Zinedine Zidane holding the Champions League (Credit:Getty)

"I conducted the negotiations myself for if the board found out about the deal, it would appear in all the papers.

"I reached an agreement with players, however, I cautioned them that in case the media got wind of the deal we won't sign a contract.

"I signed a deal with Romario and I hoped to sign Zidane and Blanc (Laurent) during my last season with Barca.

"When they sacked me, I called Zidane and explained to him that our agreement was annulled. He thanked me and that was the end of the matter."

Of course, in the summer of 1996, the former midfielder signed for Juventus and went on to win two Serie A titles before he joined Madrid in 2001 for a then-world record fee of €77.5m. The 52-year-old has been without a managerial role since leaving Madrid in 2021.

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