Don’t kill the messenger — Update: Spanish report says Bayern Munich has agreed to deal with Zinedine Zidane; German media rallies to deny the rumor; French outlet says no agreement

Update — April 19th, 11:55AM EDT: French connection!

According to L’Equipe (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), there is no agreement between Bayern Munich and Zinedine Zidane:

Zinédine Zidane is eager to return to coaching. The French national team is no longer a priority for him and he feels ready to take over a club. The Bayern job is a real possibility for him.

Zidane has no agreement with Bayern as of now. German language and life in Germany seem to be obstacles. However, Bayern have a great relationship with Zidane’s entourage, which could be an advantage regarding a possible move.

Update — April 19th, 9:05AM EDT: Plettenberg strikes back!

With the news spreading out of Spain that Bayern Munich agreed to a deal with Zinedine Zidane, Bild already fired off one response, but Sky Sport has jumped into the fray via Florian Plettenberg:

New rumors about FC Bayern and Zinédine #Zidane are wide of mark again!

➡️ There is no truth in reports that Bayern are close to sign Zidane. He’s not on the list at this stage. Confirmed again.

➡️ Bayern were pushing for Nagelsmann. They were only informed of his rejection today and were caught off guard. Now new candidates are being considered.

@SkySportDE

With the news breaking that Julian Nagelsmann has opted for a future with the German national team rather than Bayern Munich, the head coaching candidate list in Bavaria shrunk just a little bit more.

However, if you believe Mundo Deportivo, Bayern Munich already has an agreement with its next coach — Zinedine Zidane:

Zinedine Zidane is one step away from becoming the coach of Bayern Munich starting next season. The French coach is the Bavarian club’s first option to replace Thomas Tuchel, who will not continue at Allianz when the season ends . Xabi Alonso was the great favorite of the Bavarian club to lead the next project but the Basque will continue at least one more year at Leverkusen.

With Alonso ruled out, the priorities were reduced to Julian Nagelsmann, former Bayern coach between 2021 and 2023 and current German national team, and Zinedine Zidane, whose name has been linked to the Munich entity on several occasions in recent years. The Nagelsmann renewal with the Mannschaft until 2026 paves the way for Zidane’s arrival at the Allianz.

Bayern Munich is a club that meets the requirements that Zidane demands to return to the ring three years later. The greatness of the entity, the stability of a medium and long-term project and the option of fighting for all the titles make Bayern the most attractive option for the French star, who has never had financial motivations to resume his career.

Bild journalist Tobi Altschäffl is so fired up about the report that he “Falk’d it up” with a patented “Falk Flex” of his own:

What’s true (probably not the Spanish media), what’s not true...who knows? We’re just delivering what is floating around. Discuss below...

Looking for more thoughts and analysis of the aftershocks of Bayern Munich’s big win over Arsenal FC, plus a breakdown of what might happen this summer at the wing position in Bavaria? Then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show on Spotify or below: