Key Takeaways:
- On September 28, Al-Ittihad announced the termination of Laurent Blanc’s contract following a 2-0 defeat to Al-Nassr
- Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição is expected to sign with Al-Ittihad until 2027, according to Nicolò Schira
- Conceição previously managed Milan from December 2024 to June 2025
Managerial Appointment Nears Conclusion
Portuguese manager Sérgio Conceição is reportedly set to become the new head coach of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. The 50-year-old tactician is anticipated to agree terms on a contract running through 2027, with the final details of the deal expected to be completed in the near future.
🚨🟡⚫️ Al Ittihad reach verbal agreement to appoint Sérgio Conceição as new head coach!
As exclusively revealed earlier today, the deal is at advanced stages just fixing the length of the contract likely to be for next two years.
Conceição said yes to Al Ittihad. 🇸🇦🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/SW6Q0TCQIP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2025
Coaching Background and Experience
Conceição’s managerial credentials include a spell with Milan from December 2024 until June 2025. His career has also seen him take the helm at Porto, Nantes, Vitória Guimarães, Braga, Académica, and Olhanense, providing him with a breadth of experience in European football.
| Club | Role | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Milan | Head Coach | December 2024 – June 2025 |
| Porto | Head Coach | – |
| Nantes | Head Coach | – |
| Vitória Guimarães | Head Coach | – |
| Braga | Head Coach | – |
| Académica | Head Coach | – |
| Olhanense | Head Coach | – |
Recent Events at Al-Ittihad
On September 28, Al-Ittihad announced that they had terminated the contract of French manager Laurent Blanc. This decision came two days after the club suffered a 2-0 defeat to Al-Nassr in the fourth round of the Saudi Arabian league. Blanc, who assumed the role in July 2024, will now depart as Conceição readies to step in and usher in a new chapter for the club.
