Sérgio Conceição is set to leave his role as Al Ittihad head coach after reaching a mutual agreement with the Saudi club. The Portuguese manager is currently discussing final contractual details before officially departing Jeddah and becoming available to listen to offers from European clubs.
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Key Details At A Glance
Conceição leaves despite still having one year remaining on his contract, which runs until 2027.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manager | Sérgio Conceição |
| Club | Al Ittihad |
| Departure Type | Mutual agreement |
| Contract Remaining | One year |
| Time In Charge | October 2025 – May 2026 |
| Record | 22 wins from 42 matches |
| Final League Position | 5th |
| Next Step | Expected to evaluate European offers |
Why Conceição Is Leaving Al Ittihad
Conceição was appointed with the expectation of restoring Al Ittihad to the top of Saudi football, but the season quickly spiraled away from the club’s ambitions.
Al Ittihad finished fifth in the Saudi Pro League and failed to seriously challenge for the title, while their AFC Champions League Elite campaign also ended in disappointment with a quarter-final exit.
The club hierarchy reportedly lost confidence in the team’s performances and decided a managerial change was necessary ahead of next season.
Karim Benzema Exit Changed Everything
One of the defining moments of Conceição’s tenure came during the winter transfer window when Karim Benzema departed the club.
The French striker had been central to Al Ittihad’s attacking structure and leadership group, and his exit significantly disrupted the tactical project Conceição was attempting to build.
Internal instability and squad changes throughout the season further contributed to inconsistent performances.
Conceição’s Record At Al Ittihad
| Competition | Matches | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Pro League | 34 | 18 |
| AFC Champions League Elite | 8 | 4 |
| King’s Cup | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 42 | 22 |
Although there were flashes of promise, Al Ittihad struggled for consistency throughout the campaign and ultimately fell well below expectations.
How Conceição Arrived In Saudi Arabia
Conceição joined Al Ittihad in October 2025 after building one of the strongest managerial résumés in Portuguese football.
Before moving to Saudi Arabia, he enjoyed enormous success with FC Porto, winning multiple league titles and domestic cups while establishing a reputation for aggressive, high-intensity football.
He also previously managed clubs including Braga, Vitória Guimarães, Nantes, and AC Milan.
Conceição’s Major Honours As Manager
| Trophy | Times Won |
|---|---|
| Primeira Liga | 3 |
| Taça de Portugal | 4 |
| Portuguese Super Cup | 3 |
| Portuguese League Cup | 1 |
| Supercoppa Italiana | 1 |
His decorated career in Europe is expected to keep him in demand despite the disappointing spell in Saudi Arabia.
European Return Could Be Next
Conceição is expected to return to European football once his Al Ittihad exit is formally completed.
French club Olympique Marseille have already been linked with the Portuguese coach, while several other European teams are believed to be monitoring his situation.
The 51-year-old remains highly respected across Europe because of his achievements with Porto and his reputation for building disciplined, competitive teams.
Who Could Replace Conceição?
Al Ittihad have reportedly already started searching for a successor ahead of the new season.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk is among the names linked with the role as the Saudi club looks to rebuild after a disappointing campaign.
The club hierarchy are expected to target a high-profile appointment capable of immediately competing for domestic and continental trophies.
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FAQs
Why is Sérgio Conceição leaving Al Ittihad?
Conceição is leaving after a disappointing season in which Al Ittihad finished fifth and failed to challenge for major trophies.
Was Conceição sacked?
No. His departure is expected to be finalized through a mutual agreement with the club.
How long was Conceição at Al Ittihad?
He managed the club from October 2025 until May 2026.
Which clubs are linked with Conceição?
Marseille are among the clubs reportedly interested in the Portuguese coach.
Who could replace Conceição?
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has emerged as one of the reported candidates.
