Deschamps Rejected €10 Million Net Offer from Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli

Didier Deschamps rejected a three-year contract worth €10 million net proposed by Saudi club Al-Ahli during the summer. It was Fabrice Bocquet, the club’s French general director, who attempted to convince the former France manager to return to work. Without success: ultimately Dutch coach Marino Pusic was appointed Al-Ahli manager on August 6.

After fourteen years leading the France national team, Deschamps ended his adventure with the Bleus following the 2026 World Cup. At 57, the 1998 World Cup winner makes no secret of his intention to continue his coaching career, but not immediately. He is enjoying time with family and loved ones, between his secondary home in Brittany and his main residence in Cap-d’Ail, overlooking Monaco.

According to L’Équipe, Deschamps “knows he is highly sought after”. His name circulated this summer in connection with Real Madrid and the Italian national team, in addition to the Saudi approach. But the Bayonne native is taking time to rest before committing to a new project.

The former AS Monaco and OM coach is not expected to take a touchline position before November, or possibly not before the end of the current season. “Everything will be a matter of opportunity and projects that match his wishes,” the sports daily notes, while pointing out that, “unlike Zidane, he will not wait five years to take another position”.