El Muñeco is set to return to the spotlight, stepping into a leadership role with a club that aims to rise in a league known for growth rather than immediate dominance. Nearly a year after departing River Plate, Marcelo Gallardo will enter a new chapter far from his prior domestic duties, accepting a position that signals a strategic shift in his coaching career. The decision marks a move to a league perceived as less saturated with title contenders but rich in opportunities to build a lasting project. Al-Ittihad, a club in a region that has been rapidly investing in high-profile managers and players, becomes the stage for this next act in Gallardo’s extensive coaching journey. The choice stands out not as a return to the European scene or a familiar South American battleground, but as a deliberate step toward a growing football culture that rewards patience and long-term planning. The move is expected to bring together coaching acumen with the ambition of a club poised to scale new heights within its domestic context and beyond, underscoring Gallardo’s willingness to explore varied competitive environments.
THE NEW POP TEAM
HOW MUCH WILL GALLARDO COST IN ARAB FOOTBALL
Details of the agreement reveal a structured, time-bound contract designed to anchor a broader rebuilding phase. Gallardo agreed to a contract lasting one and a half years, with a potential extension of up to 18 additional months, reflecting a mutual interest in evaluating progress over a substantial period. The annual remuneration is reported to be around 20 million, which translates to a guaranteed nine-figure commitment across the initial term when considering the total package. In practical terms, the first tranche of the deal already secures a substantial financial baseline, with compensation figures that could grow further depending on departmental objectives and performance rewards. Beyond the base salary, potential bonuses tied to team achievements and competitive milestones could significantly enhance the overall value of the contract.
Gallardo’s career schedule from late 2022 through the present illustrates a deliberate pause from the traditional coaching carousel. After leaving River Plate at the end of 2022, he took a sabbatical to reflect on future directions, resisting several high-demand offers that would have placed him in more immediately prestigious, pressure-intensive environments. The Saudi league, with its rising profile and wealth, emerged as a compelling option where he would oversee players with international pedigrees and high expectations. This period of contemplation culminated in a decision to embrace a project that prioritizes long-term development, the cultivation of a competitive culture, and the strategic recruitment of talent aligned with the club’s growth aspirations.
Historically, the connection between Gallardo and the Arab world began earlier in his career when he was brought in to coach Riyadh’s league club for a season. That assignment included a notable match against Paris Saint-Germain, a fixture that featured Lionel Messi during his time with PSG and Cristiano Ronaldo in the opposing squad. The experience left a lasting impression and established a familiarity with the region’s football ecosystem, paving the way for the present engagement with Al-Ittihad. This backstory helps explain why the Saudi project resonates with Gallardo’s professional ethos, which emphasizes tactical discipline, organization, and adaptability in ranking battles that involve top-tier clubs and world-class players. The agreement is reported with attribution to Goal.