Sérgio Conceição is set to depart from his role as head coach of Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad by mutual agreement, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Portuguese manager is currently finalizing contractual details with the club and will soon be open to opportunities from European teams.
End of a Short but Eventful Spell in Saudi Arabia
Conceição joined Al Ittihad in October 2025, replacing Laurent Blanc. The move came after his stint at AC Milan. He brought his trademark high-intensity, pressing style to the Tigers, but results were mixed in a highly competitive Saudi league featuring stars like Karim Benzema.
Recent reports highlighted growing pressure following heavy defeats, including a 5-1 loss, which reportedly accelerated discussions about his future. Both parties have now opted for a mutual separation, allowing the club to move forward while enabling the coach to seek new challenges.
Who is Sérgio Conceição?
Sérgio Conceição, born in 1974, enjoyed a successful playing career as a right winger, representing clubs like FC Porto, Lazio, Parma, and Inter Milan. He earned 56 caps for Portugal and participated in Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup.
As a manager, he built his reputation primarily at FC Porto, where he won multiple Primeira Liga titles, domestic cups, and established a strong tactical identity focused on aggressive pressing and quick transitions. His brief spell at AC Milan in 2024-25 and subsequent move to Al Ittihad demonstrated his willingness to take on new projects abroad.