Real Madrid have now announced that Spain manager Julen Lopetegui will replace Zidane and attention is turning to how the appointment will affect the transfer activity at the club this summer. Following the Champions League Final, both Bale and Ronaldo were discussing their futures, hinting that they could be moving on. This may well have been more to do with their relationship with Zidane. With the Spain manager taking over the reigns, this will determine a lot of decisions for players, both at the club and potential signings.
Is Ronaldo moving on?
Ronaldo will be the first current player that Lopetegui will want to sort out in regards to his future. The star player is coming to the twilight of his phenomenal career and may be looking for a switch before his career ends. Or he may choose to finish his career at his beloved Real Madrid, it will depend on the talks he has with his new manager.
New Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has labelled Leo Messi as 'the best player of all time' https://t.co/CEoYejyrQ5 pic.twitter.com/ie0sD7Ie7f
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) June 13, 2018
Bale to Manchester United?
Gareth Bale vented his frustration at lack of game time under Zidane, so he will want to know what the new manager has in plan for him. If he is not going to be guaranteed more starts then he will probably be heading back to the Premier League, where only a few teams are likely to be able to afford him. Manchester United is the most likely destination.
A big bid for De Gea could be on the cards
As the manager of the Spain squad on 2018 World Cup, Lopetegui might be looking at bringing in his favoured national team goalkeeper, David De Gea. Manchester United’s No.1 has long been linked with a move back to Spain with Real Madrid and it is understood that De Gea has wanted the move for some time. Perhaps a swap deal involving Bale and De Gea could be on the cards.
Whilst many were shocked at the announcement of the new manager, who has previously only managed Rayo Vallecano and Porto at club level, it could just be what Real Madrid need right now. Keeping their star players happy and having the ability to convince players like De Gea to make the move could be the key reasoning behind the surprise appointment.
