Article by Romeo Ene – Published Saturday, January 10, 2026, 6:59 p.m. / Updated Saturday, January 10, 2026 7:00 p.m.
Mirel Rădoi (44 years old) will not, in the end, become the coach of Al Najmathe team in last place in the Saudi Arabian championship. The two sides have held several talks in recent days, but the club issued an official statement in which they re-confirmed Mario Silva, the current coach.
Free of contract for two months, after his sudden departure from Craiova University, Rădoi was one step away from returning to coaching, and the project in Saudi Arabia would have smiled on the technician.
In the end, the move fell through, and Rădoi does not return, at least temporarily, to coaching.
Al Najma's announcement, Mirel Rădoi no longer signs with the last place in Saudi Arabia
“The Board of Directors of the club, led by Mr. Meshal bin Mansour AlMarzouqi, reaffirms its full support and full confidence in head coach Mario Silva and his technical staff, reconfirming them in their positions for the next period.
The board appreciates the important efforts and professional standards demonstrated by the head coach and his team. It highlights strong commitment, tactical discipline and clear vision geared towards improving team performance and achieving long-term technical stability.
The board reaffirms its commitment to ensure an optimal professional environment for the technical staff and players. Emphasizing technical stability remains an essential pillar for achieving positive results and for the team's progress in the coming period,” reads the club's statement from Saudi Arabia.
For Mirel Rădoi, it would have been his second adventure as a coach in Saudi Arabia, after he coached Al Tai. He also coached two other teams from the United Arab Emirates: Al Bataeh and Al Jazira.
Rădoi left after Olten had lost at home against UTA Arad, score 1-2.
This last mandate of Mirel in Olteni lasted ten months. He left the team in 4th place in the Superliga and was replaced by the Portuguese Filipe Coelho.
