Al-Ittihad set to pay out historic €30m settlement to fire coach Marcelo Gallardo after miserable Saudi Pro League season

Gallardo was announced as Al-Ittihad boss last November on an 18-month deal but he was unable to replicate the success predecessor Nuno Espirito Santo achieved at the Saudi Pro League team. After winning the league last term, the Argentine could only lead the Jeddah outfit to fifth in 2023/24. Now, Spanish publication Marca claims the Saudi side will reach a £25m ($32m) settlement with the 48-year-old to leave his job a year early.

After a very successful eight years at River Plate, Gallardo moved to Ittihad, following a break away from the sport, but things did not go well for the former attacking midfielder. There have been reports of a feud with striker Karim Benzema and they finished 18 points worse off than last season.

During Gallardo's time at the Argentinian side, they won 14 trophies - making him River Plate's most successful manager. He won 53.77% of his matches in charge there, compared to just 45.45% at Al-Ittihad.

While this settlement continues to rumble on, Al-Ittihad are reportedly looking for a new manager, with Max Allegri - who was sacked by Juventus last month and replaced by Thiago Motta - linked to the soon-to-be-vacant post.