Former French coach reaches an agreement with Al Ittihad

After the turnaround with Stefano Pioli, Al Ittihad seems to have found the successor to Marcelo Gallardo as the head coach of the Saudi team: Laurent Blanc, who has been a free agent since leaving Lyon's bench at the beginning of last season after just four games.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the former French coach, 58, has agreed to a two-year contract, until 2026, with the fifth-placed team of the last Saudi League season, with an option for an additional season.

If the deal is confirmed, Blanc, who won the French championship four times with Bordeaux (2009) and PSG (between 2013 and 2016), and also managed Qatar's Al-Rayyan, will coach the Portuguese winger Jota and his compatriots N’Golo Kanté and Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner.

Blanc's extensive experience in managing top-tier football clubs and international stars is seen as a valuable asset for Al Ittihad. His tenure at PSG was marked by significant success, including multiple league titles and domestic cups, which helped solidify his reputation as a top coach in European football. At Bordeaux, he led the team to a historic league title, showcasing his ability to elevate teams to their peak performance.

Joining Al Ittihad presents a new challenge for Blanc, who will now navigate the competitive landscape of the Saudi League. The presence of high-profile players like Jota, Kanté, and Benzema indicates the club's ambitions to compete at the highest level and secure titles. Blanc’s tactical acumen and leadership will be crucial in harnessing the talent within the squad and achieving the club's goals.

The appointment of Blanc is part of Al Ittihad’s broader strategy to enhance their competitiveness and prestige both domestically and internationally. As the Saudi League continues to attract notable talents and experienced managers, Blanc's arrival underscores the league's growing profile in global football. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Blanc's expertise will influence Al Ittihad's performance in the upcoming seasons.