Al-Ittihad Announces Departure of Coach Sergio Conceição

Al-Ittihad officially announced the departure of Portuguese head coach Sérgio Conceição on June 1, 2026. The decision marks a significant change in the technical leadership of the Jeddah-based club as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Roshn Saudi League.

The club confirmed that the termination of the contract was reached through mutual consent. This agreement ensures a professional separation between the manager and the organization, avoiding the complexities of a unilateral termination.

Reporting from Okaz indicates that the financial terms of the separation involved a payout of 5 million to finalize the relationship. This settlement concludes all contractual obligations between the Portuguese coach and the Saudi side.

Search for a Successor

The vacancy in the head coach position has immediately triggered speculation regarding high-profile replacements. According to reports from Kooora and YallaKoura, Al-Ittihad is considering several elite candidates to lead the team.

The reports suggest that Jürgen Klopp and Walid Regragui are among the primary figures competing for the role. The potential appointment of Klopp would represent a continuation of the league’s strategy to attract top-tier European managerial talent, while Regragui would bring extensive regional expertise and a proven track record of success in African and Arab football.

The pursuit of these candidates underscores Al-Ittihad’s ambition to remain a dominant force within the Roshn Saudi League and to secure a technical lead capable of delivering silverware in domestic and continental competitions.

League Context

This managerial change occurs during a period of intense investment and tactical evolution in Saudi Arabian football. The Roshn Saudi League has consistently sought to raise its technical standards by integrating world-class coaching and playing staff.

For Al-Ittihad, the transition from Conceição to a new appointment is a strategic move to recalibrate the squad’s performance. The club’s management is now focused on finalizing a deal that ensures stability and a clear tactical direction for the upcoming season.