The Saudi Arabian football club Ittihad Jeddah is seeking a new coach to lead the team following the departure of Argentine Marcelo Gallardo, who is expected to leave in the coming days pending the settlement of his financial dues.
According to reports, Ittihad Jeddah is attempting to sign Italian Stefano Pioli, the former AC Milan coach, to take charge of the team for the upcoming season (2024-2025). Italian journalist Nicolo Schira stated via his account on "X" that Ittihad has offered Pioli a contract until 2026, with an option to renew for one additional season.
Schira noted that the club has presented Pioli with an amazing salary to persuade him, especially since he recently turned down offers from European clubs.
Another Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano, an expert on the transfer market, mentioned that Pioli is at the top of a shortlist the club has drawn up, which includes three coaches from whom they will select one to lead the team next season.
Romano also shared on "X" that the Ittihad management is leaning towards Pioli as the best candidate among the three. He concluded by stating that "Gallardo will officially leave Ittihad."
New Ittihad president Louai Nazer commented on Gallardo's future, saying, "We have started looking for a new coach in the upcoming period, and there are three candidates for the coaching position, but I cannot discuss these matters at the moment."
According to sources, Ittihad has offered Pioli, the former Milan coach, an annual salary of up to 10 million euros to lead the team following Marcelo Gallardo's expected departure in the coming period.
