Zinedine Zidane is, without a doubt, one of the best players and coaches in the history of Real Madrid. His influence is enormous and Florentino Pérez still takes advice from the French star. In fact, after the problems detected in the midfield, Florentino is desperately looking for a new Zidane. And it seems that Zinedine has given him a key name.
Zidane Points at His Heir and Asks for his transfer
Zinedine Zidane has recommended that Real Madrid focus their attention on Rayan Cherki, the young talent from Olympique Lyon. Zidane, seeing the team's recent problems in creating plays, believes that Cherki could be the ideal solution.
The market value of Cherki, 21, is around 20 million euros, an affordable figure for a player with his potential. Several experts see him as even better than Pedri, the Barcelona midfielder, which makes him a very attractive option to strengthen Carlo Ancelotti's team.
Cherki has been compared to Zidane himself on several occasions. His technical ability and ability to outplay opponents have earned him this comparison, and many believe that Real Madrid would be the ideal place for him to exploit his full potential. Zidane remains an influential figure at the club despite his absence at the dugout. The Frenchman believes that Cherki has the level necessary to shine at the Santiago Bernabéu, as he himself did in his time as a player.
Florentino Pérez has always shown his interest in signing promising young players. Examples of this are Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo and, more recently, Jude Bellingham. The incorporation of Cherki would be another step in this strategy of securing the future of the team with young talent. In addition, his price, compared to other players of his quality, makes the payment very viable for the club.
Real Madrid's midfield is well-covered with players like Bellingham, Camavinga and Valverde. Despite this, Zidane believes Cherki could bring something different, something that Madrid have been lacking this year. His ability to create goal plays and his vision are characteristics that could breathe new life into the team.
Besides, with Zidane backing his move, Cherki could feel comfortable jumping into one of the biggest clubs in the world. Madrid needs someone who believes, who can bypass defenders and forwards. And Cherki needs a big project to show his full potential.
Real Madrid will have to decide whether to move for Cherki soon, knowing that other clubs, such as Barcelona, could also be interested. The possibility of Cherki being Madrid's next big transfer could become a new episode in the eternal rivalry between Spain's two giants. While Pedri remains key for Barca, Cherki could be the answer Florentino Pérez is looking for to balance the midfield of the team.