Edi Iordănescu considered for Al-Ahly Jeddah managerial vacancy

Al-Ahly Jeddah have included former Romania national team coach Edi Iordănescu on their list of potential replacements as the club prepares for the expected departure of current manager Marino Pusic. The 48-year-old has been a free agent since October 2025 and is being considered alongside several high-profile candidates for the role at the Saudi Arabian club, which currently sits sixth in the domestic league standings.

Reports indicate that Didier Deschamps, Laurent Blanc, Walid Regragui, and Vitor Pereira are also rival candidates for the Al-Ahly Jeddah coaching position. Should negotiations with these primary targets stagnate, club officials reportedly view Noureddine Zekri as a possible interim option to fill the vacancy temporarily.

Iordănescu’s availability follows a period without employment after leaving his previous post in late 2025. FCSB owner Gigi Becali stated on September 15, 2026, that he had offered Iordănescu a one-year unpaid contract with double performance bonuses. Becali claimed he would pay double any requested monthly salary plus additional bonuses if objectives were met, referencing figures of 600,000 euros and 25,000 in relation to potential compensation terms.

Becali recounted meeting Iordănescu at church, where the coach confirmed he was unemployed at the time of their encounter. This discussion occurred prior to the current interest from Al-Ahly Jeddah and other parties seeking to secure his services for upcoming campaigns.

During his previous tenure as FCSB manager, Iordănescu recorded eight wins, two draws, and two losses. His managerial record in Romanian football provides recent competitive experience as he remains available for appointment following his departure from the national team setup.