Al Ittihad Club appear to have landed on a new head coach. According to multiple reports, Portuguese tactician Sérgio Conceição has reached a verbal agreement to succeed Laurent Blanc at the Saudi Pro League giants. Final details—including contract length and remuneration—are still being ironed out.
Blanc was dismissed after a disappointing start to the 2025-26 season, which included losses in domestic and continental competitions, including a 2-0 defeat to rivals Al Nassr. Al Ittihad’s board has since been exploring high-profile replacements, among whom Conceição and ex-Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández have featured prominently.
If completed, Conceição is expected to sign a deal for two years, according to sources such as Fabrizio Romano. The move would mark his first major managerial role outside Europe, following stints at Porto and most recently AC Milan.
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Among the more compelling aspects for fans and observers is the roster he will inherit—Karim Benzema being perhaps the most notable. Other heavyweight names like N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, Moussa Diaby, and others give Conceição a strong squad to work with. The task will be to re-energize a team that already won the league title last season but has struggled in maintaining consistency recently.
There is, however, caution: at this stage the deal is not yet official. Negotiations remain in advanced stages, and all that remains is to finalise and sign the paperwork. Only then will the Portuguese coach begin his work at Jeddah.
For Al Ittihad, this appointment could represent more than just a change of face—it’s a signal of renewed ambition. With star power in the squad and strong expectations both in Saudi Arabia and across Asia, his mandate will likely be to restore domestic dominance and make deeper runs in continental tournaments. If everything falls into place, Conceição’s arrival may mark the beginning of a crucial new chapter.
