Deschamps was on Real Madrid's shortlist before Mourinho appointment

Didier Deschamps came close to joining Real Madrid. According to Foot Mercato, the former France manager was on Real Madrid’s shortlist last summer before the club’s board decided in favour of José Mourinho. A destination that, according to the outlet, “would have suited him well”.

This revelation adds to another matter already discussed: Deschamps reportedly also turned down advances from Manchester United, who were seeking a successor to Michael Carrick. At 56 years old — he is now 57 — the coach does not appear to be in a hurry to return to the touchline and would prefer to wait until the next off-season to resume work under the best conditions.

A return to Real Madrid would have represented an unprecedented turning point in an already rich coaching career. After managing AS Monaco, Juventus and Olympique de Marseille before taking charge of France for over a decade, Deschamps has never yet managed a club of Real Madrid’s calibre.

For now, no commitment is imminent. The names of Manchester United and Real Madrid nonetheless illustrate the level of ambition to which Deschamps remains associated on the managerial market. His next move, whatever it may be, should become clearer as summer approaches.