Deschamps ready to join Saudi Pro League for €15 million per year

Didier Deschamps has shifted his stance on Saudi Arabia: the former France manager is no longer closing the door on a move to the Saudi Pro League, provided he is offered a contract worth €15 million per year, according to information from journalist Loïc Tanzi.

Already approached several times — by Al-Ittihad while still in charge of France, then by Al-Ahli this summer — Deschamps had previously declined these advances. The situation has evolved. The amount demanded is nearly four times his estimated net salary as France manager, where he earned just under €4 million annually. This salary level matches the standards that the Saudi sovereign wealth fund (PIF) applies to attract the most reputable coaches in world football.

From the PIF’s perspective, Deschamps’ profile ticks all the boxes. World Cup winner in 1998 as a player and in 2018 as manager, he embodies the international credibility that the Saudi championship seeks to project beyond recruiting on-field stars. The four clubs directly controlled by the fund — Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli — are potential destinations.

The main obstacle remains the availability of a position. None of the four clubs is actively seeking a manager at the moment, but pressure from early-season results could accelerate matters before the end of the year. If a position opens up, the deal could be concluded quickly.

For Deschamps, such a move would mark a sharp break from his fourteen years leading the national team — the longest period of his coaching career. Returning to the daily grind of club football, with its weekly results pressure and dressing-room management, would represent a considerable change of pace for the Basque coach.