Julen Lopetegui is the ‘favourite’ to take over at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad and secure his first job after leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That’s according to Bruno Andrade, who says the club have already offered the former Wolves boss a one-and-a-half-year contract with the option of a further two years.
The Saudi side surprisingly parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo earlier this week, despite the Portuguese boss having done solid work since his arrival at the club.
His departure appears to have been caused by a falling out with some of the bigger stars who have arrived over the last year, chief among them Karim Benzema.
They’re now on the hunt for his replacement and Andrade reports that Lopetegui is the favourite after being offered an initial deal.
He’s been out of work since leaving Wolves before the beginning of the season, waiting for the right opportunity and even admitting he would prefer to continue working in England.
Al-Ittihad have offered him a contract nonetheless, with Andrade stating it would run for a year and a half with the option of a further two years.
They’re now waiting to see if the Spaniard accepts, or indeed even responds, ‘waiting for his answer’ before potentially approaching other options who are currently available on the market.
In other words, Al-Ittihad have thrown all their eggs in the Lopetegui basked first, with the ball now firmly in his court.
