Saudi Pro League champions Al‑Ittihad are reportedly eyeing French national team boss Didier Deschamps as their next head coach, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup marking a key turning point in the 56-year-old’s managerial future.
Deschamps, who confirmed last year that his tenure with France national football team will end after the summer tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, stated in an interview that he has had talks with clubs abroad and remains open to offers once his current contract concludes.
While he has not publicly named specific clubs, football media have flagged Al-Ittihad as a serious contender given the Saudi club’s ambition and recent change in managerial direction. The Jeddah-based outfit, winners of the Saudi Pro League in 2024-25, have already replaced former boss Laurent Blanc, signalling their readiness to bring in a high-profile coach who can match their new expectations.
According to reports, Al-Ittihad like that Deschamps would still be available after the 2026 World Cup and view him as a figure who brings both leadership and experience at the highest levels. Deschamps’ decorated career — both as a player and manager — aligns with the club’s desire to operate on a global stage.
Deschamps emphasised that his priority remains the French national team until the tournament concludes. “From the moment I made my decision, and I am not going to go back on it,” he said when asked about post-World Cup plans. “I will be free and I do not forbid myself anything.”
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Should a deal materialise, it would represent a major coup for Saudi football and further underline the growing influence of the Pro League in attracting top international coaching talent. For Al-Ittihad, landing a manager of Deschamps’ stature would reinforce their status as one of the region’s leading clubs.
At this stage, negotiations are in the early phases and no contract or official announcement has been made from either party. However, the alignment of timing — Deschamps’ exit from France and Al-Ittihad’s search for a marquee coach — suggests that a confirmation may not be far off should the parties reach agreement.