Two years after leaving Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane reportedly recommended the club sign a midfielder from a team relegated from the Premier League. Typically, when a player is linked with Real Madrid, they’re either a major name or a rising star in world football. Zidane’s recommendation, however, was less of a headline-grabber.
Over the years, Real Madrid has been known for its pursuit of high-profile signings. The club has often broken transfer records, bringing in players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and even Zidane himself during their peak years. These were signings that aligned with the “Galácticos” policy, where star power was as important as talent. Even Kylian Mbappé, who joined for no transfer fee, commands an extraordinary salary reportedly reaching up to £60 million annually. Madrid’s ability to attract world-class talent is well-established, but Zidane’s suggestion to sign this particular player showed he valued more than just marketability.
According to a report from DefensaCentral, Zidane urged the club to acquire Youri Tielemans, a Belgian midfielder who was available on a free transfer following Leicester City’s relegation in the 2022/23 season. Tielemans, who eventually moved to Aston Villa, had caught Zidane’s eye as a player who could bring depth and versatility to Real Madrid’s midfield. However, despite Zidane’s advocacy, club president Florentino Pérez chose to pass on the opportunity.
This decision reflects Real Madrid’s evolving transfer strategy. While the club still invests in established stars when necessary, there’s been a clear shift toward signing younger players with potential for growth. Recent acquisitions like Vinícius Jr., Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo illustrate this approach. Though these young talents weren’t necessarily cheap, they were not in the same financial league as some of the Galáctico signings of the past.
Where Tielemans would have fit in Madrid’s highly competitive midfield remains a mystery. With so many talented young players already vying for starting roles, it’s unclear if Tielemans would have been able to break through and make an impact. Nevertheless, Zidane’s recommendation suggests he saw something in the Belgian’s game that could have brought added value to the squad.
Tielemans’ move to Aston Villa, however, has proven to be a success. Under Unai Emery’s guidance, he has become an integral part of the team and has already contributed to four goals this season. While it’s impossible to say how his career would have unfolded had he moved to Madrid, it’s safe to assume he’s currently flourishing in a less pressurized environment, where his contributions are crucial to the team’s overall success.
There’s also the possibility that his current trajectory may be more beneficial for his career than a high-profile move to Real Madrid. At Villa, Tielemans has the space to grow without the constant scrutiny that comes with playing for one of the most successful clubs in world football. Zidane’s belief in his potential, however, speaks volumes about the kind of player Tielemans could still become.
In hindsight, Zidane’s intuition about Tielemans might prove to be correct in the long run. Perhaps if the Belgian continues his impressive form, he could still end up playing for a European giant—whether that be Real Madrid or another elite club. But for now, both he and Madrid seem to be benefiting from the decisions made.
Two years after departing Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane reportedly recommended that the club sign a Premier League midfielder who had just experienced relegation. In typical fashion, when Real Madrid targets a player, it’s usually a major name or someone poised to become a global footballing star. However, in this case, Zidane’s recommendation was more of an under-the-radar option.
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