Al-Nassr’s search for a new head coach has taken a turn as reports suggest former AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao is now the front-runner for the job.
This development comes after Italian coach Luciano Spalletti rejected a staggering €54 million package to take charge of the Saudi Pro League club.
Why Spalletti Rejected Al-Nassr
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Al-Nassr approached Luciano Spalletti with a lucrative three-year contract worth €18 million annually following his dismissal as Italy’s national team coach.
The offer came in the wake of a disappointing Euro 2025 campaign, capped off by a heavy 3-0 loss to Norway.
Despite the eye-watering deal on the table, Spalletti declined, reportedly uninterested in heading to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career.
Is Conceicao Heading to Saudi?
With Spalletti out of the picture, Al-Nassr is now focused on luring Portuguese tactician Sergio Conceicao, who recently left AC Milan after a short but eventful six-month tenure.
Conceicao replaced fellow countryman Paulo Fonseca in December 2024 and led Milan to a Supercoppa Italiana title in just his second game. However, failure to secure European qualification led to his departure.
Massimiliano Allegri has since taken over at San Siro on a two-year deal.
Conceicao Could Reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo
One intriguing subplot in Al-Nassr’s coaching search is the potential reunion between Conceicao and Cristiano Ronaldo. The two briefly shared the pitch while playing for Portugal in 2003, and that history could now evolve into a player-coach partnership.
For Al-Nassr, appointing Conceicao isn’t just about tactical fit. It’s also a strategic move to build a European-style setup around Ronaldo and potentially attract more top-tier talent to the Middle East.
Al-Nassr’s need for a new coach arose after Stefano Pioli agreed to return to Serie A by taking over Fiorentina. The club, one of the Saudi Pro League’s biggest spenders, appears set to continue investing heavily this summer to build a stronger squad around its global stars.
With Conceicao known for his aggressive and fast-paced style from his Porto and Milan days, he may be a compelling fit for Al-Nassr’s ambition to blend European structure with Saudi investment.
Fans and bettors alike are closely watching Al-Nassr’s next move. If you’re following the club’s developments, you may also want to check out the safest online betting sites to stay on top of upcoming odds.
