Zidane Demands Seven-Player Exodus If Real Madrid Wants Him Back

Real Madrid could be facing a significant squad overhaul this summer if Zinedine Zidane is to take the managerial reins at the Bernabéu, according to reports emerging from Spanish media.

Álvaro Arbeloa currently holds the position but his grip on the job has loosened following Madrid's defeat to Getafe last weekend in La Liga. To maintain his role beyond this season, the Spaniard must deliver either the Spanish title or the Champions League crown.

Behind the scenes, Real Madrid's hierarchy is already plotting a managerial succession plan. Jürgen Klopp tops president Florentino Pérez's wish list, with the former Liverpool boss reportedly open to the prospect. However, Zidane remains in Pérez's thoughts—though transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed in January 2026 that the Frenchman had already agreed verbally to take charge of the French national team.

Should Zidane be considered as Klopp's alternative, he comes with strings attached. The legendary manager, who claimed La Liga and the Champions League once as a player and twice and three times respectively as Madrid boss, will only return on one condition: the club must offload seven players.

The Blacklist

Two of the summer 2025 recruits find themselves in the firing line. Defender Dean Huijsen, signed from Bournemouth for €59.5m, has been a regular fixture when available, though his displays have proven inconsistent. Winger Franco Mastantuono arrived from River Plate for €45m but has battled injury problems and cannot guarantee his place in the starting XI. The Argentine, notably the youngest player ever to feature competitively for his country, still has much to prove.

Midfielder Dani Ceballos and left-back Fran García are also earmarked for departure. Brahim Díaz, the Moroccan attacking midfielder, similarly features on Zidane's hit list, as does Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who remains second-choice behind Thibault Courtois.

Completing the seven is David Alaba, whose contract expires at season's end and is widely expected to leave as a free agent.

Worth Treating With Caution

Given this report originates from Catalan media, considerable skepticism is warranted. Nevertheless, the implications are worth examining.

Huijsen and Mastantuono represent significant financial investments in youth development—selling either would represent poor business. Ceballos, whilst never a regular starter, serves a useful squad function and should remain. García, however, with Álvaro Carreras established as the primary left-back, could realistically depart for a reasonable fee, allowing Madrid to invest in younger alternatives.

Díaz presents a borderline case. He lacks the quality for consistent starts alongside fit attacking peers, yet offers valuable depth.

Lunin's position appears untenable. With Courtois, despite his 33 years, remaining world-class, there is little prospect of the Ukrainian displacing him. Madrid would be wise to move him on and identify a younger successor.

Alaba's situation is effectively resolved—the injury-plagued defender's time at the club is naturally concluding.