Al-Shabab Pursues Manuel Pellegrini
Saudi club Al-Shabab is negotiating with Manuel Pellegrini, current Real Betis coach and former Real Madrid manager, to take over their team following Vitor Pereira's departure.
Al-Shabab, a prominent Saudi Arabian football club, is actively seeking to appoint Manuel Pellegrini, the experienced Chilean coach currently leading Spain's Real Betis, as their new head coach. This initiative follows the recent exit of Portuguese manager Vitor Pereira, who has assumed the managerial role at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League.
According to exclusive sources from 'Al-Riyadiyah', Pellegrini has received an offer from Al-Shabab's management, led by Mohammed Al-Munjam. While Pellegrini has expressed interest, he prefers to commence his duties in the summer, aligning with the start of the 2025-2026 season, to oversee the team's preseason preparations. However, Al-Shabab's management is endeavoring to persuade the 71-year-old to depart Real Betis immediately and assume full responsibility for the team for the remainder of the current season and the upcoming one.
Due to differing timelines, Al-Shabab has set a deadline for Pellegrini to accept their terms by Saturday evening. Failing an agreement, the club intends to pursue alternative candidates. Notably, Al-Shabab is prepared to activate Pellegrini's release clause from Real Betis, valued at €2 million.
Pellegrini boasts a distinguished 36-year coaching career, highlighted by a Premier League title with Manchester City in the 2013-2014 season and two English League Cup victories in 2014 and 2016. His managerial repertoire includes stints with Real Madrid and Villarreal in Spain, as well as West Ham United in England. Since 2020, he has been at the helm of Real Betis.
In parallel, Al-Shabab has engaged in discussions with Rui Vitória, the former Al-Nassr coach currently managing Panathinaikos in Greece. Vitória has expressed commitment to his existing contract, indicating willingness to consider Al-Shabab's proposal only if an agreement is reached between the two clubs.
As the situation unfolds, Al-Shabab remains determined to secure a high-caliber coach to lead the team in the Saudi Pro League, reflecting the club's ambition to enhance its competitive standing.