Brazil's next manager? Selecao close in on new candidate amid Carlo Ancelotti pursuit as CBF prepares to pay release clause

Dorival Jr was sacked late last month following Brazil's thumping loss to Argentina, leading to reports that Ancelotti was being sounded out by the country's football federation. However, UOL claims the Selecao are pursuing Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus instead.

The report adds that while Jesus has a contract with the Saudi Arabian side until the end of June, the Brazilian Football Confederation is ready to pay around €2.5 million to have him in charge of the national side as early as May. The experienced coach is reportedly going to be offered a deal until the end of the 2026 World Cup.

The Portuguese manager has spent most of his career in his home country, leading Benfica twice and Sporting CP once, but did have a successful stint with Brazilian side Flamengo between 2019-20. He has been in charge at Al-Hilal since 2023 in what is his second spell with the Saudi outfit.

It remains to be seen if Jesus will see out his Al-Hilal contract or if this Brazil post is too good an opportunity to turn down.