Răzvan Lucescu, the 57-year-old Romanian coach, has finalized a deal with Al-Sadd, the leading football club in Qatar. He has officially signed the contract and will soon be introduced as the new head coach of the team, following his exit from PAOK Salonika.
According to reports, Lucescu’s agreement is for two seasons with an option for an additional year. He has already arrived in Doha with his entire coaching staff, where they have secured accommodations and begun preparations for their new adventure. The official announcement of his appointment is imminent.
Lucescu Set for Lucrative Contract in Qatar
After five years in Greece with PAOK Salonika, Lucescu has signed with Al-Sadd, where he is set to receive a lucrative salary of €5 million per year. This amount exceeds what he was earning at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he made €3.5 million annually, a club he led to the AFC Champions League title in 2019.
Al-Sadd, Qatar’s most successful club, recently parted ways with Roberto Mancini. While Lucescu’s salary will not match the Italian’s €9 million per year, it will still surpass his previous earnings at PAOK. In addition to his €5 million base salary, he will receive bonuses and has the option to bring his own staff.
Lucescu’s decision to join Al-Sadd came after considering offers, including interest from Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. Throughout his career, he has achieved significant success, including winning the AFC Champions League with Al-Hilal in 2019.
Previously, Lucescu was earning €2 million annually with PAOK, but he chose to abandon the final year of his contract with the Greek side.
High Expectations at a Major Club
Al-Sadd is recognized as the most decorated club in Qatar, having won the league title in the last season, totaling 19 league titles, 9 Qatar Cups, 19 Emir’s Cups, and 2 Super Cups. They have also secured the Asian Champions League title twice.
One of the standout players in the team is Brazilian Roberto Firmino, 34, who reportedly earns nearly €30 million annually in Qatar.
Throughout its history, Al-Sadd has seen notable coaches, including Ilie Balaci (2001-2002) and Cosmin Olăroiu (2009-2010). Currently, Ovidiu Stângă, who is 57 years old, has been working at Al-Sadd Academy for over five years and has recently extended his contract with the club.
