Zinedine Zidane is getting closer to returning to the sidelines. After several years away from the spotlight, the French coach is negotiating with Al Nassr from Saudi Arabia. That is the team where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, and the enormous financial offer is dizzying. The former Real Madrid coach has already started planning his future team. One of his main targets is at FC Barcelona.
He would play with Cristiano Ronaldo and the footballer is Fermín, the striker from Huelva has surprised the French coach with his great physical display, competitive character, and ability to get into the box. He has been following him for months and believes his profile would fit perfectly in his new project. The Saudi club has already started moving to make a formal offer to Barça.
At Camp Nou, they don't consider Fermín untouchable, although they value his potential. The club's financial situation remains delicate, and a multi-million euro offer from Saudi Arabia could change everything. However, the player's stance will be key. Even though he is not in a hurry to leave, he has made his decision.
Ronaldo wants to take him
Fermín has been one of the season's biggest breakthroughs. He has earned a place in the first team and has replied with goals and a lot of personality. Despite the competition in his position, he has shown that he has the level to keep growing at Barça. However, he is also aware of how difficult it is to establish himself as a starter in such a talented squad.
Al Nassr is willing to make him one of the young faces of its international project. Zidane wants him as a key piece in his system, and the Saudi club would offer him a salary that Barça couldn't possibly match. Those close to him say he doesn't rule out the move, although leaving the Catalan club so soon has never been on his mind. If Zidane signs, everything could speed up.
50 million euros
Within FC Barcelona, there are some internal voices who would welcome a sale if the figure exceeds 50 million euros (€50,000,000). Fermín is under contract, but his release clause is not insurmountable for the big budgets in Saudi Arabia. The arrival of new players in the Catalan midfield could also reduce his prominence, and he wants to keep feeling important.
The French coach Zinedine Zidane is pushing very hard for his signing. He sees him leading Al Nassr's project alongside other young talents the Saudi club is preparing. The connection between the Frenchman and Fermín could be key in the coming weeks. If the French coach signs officially, he won't take long to activate his transfer plan. For now, in Barcelona, they keep calm about it
They know the player is comfortable, but they admit there is some buzz. Fermín won't make any decision without first listening to Zidane and learning firsthand what role he would have at Al Nassr. If the coach manages to convince him, Barça could lose one of its future gems.