The former Wolves manager has seemingly rejected the chance to replace someone who also held the Molineux hot seat.
Former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui looks set to reject a swift return to management, as he sticks to his intentions of only wanting to manage in the Premier League.
Another former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked from his job at Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ittihad last week, and Lopetegui emerged as a key contender for the role.
Al-Ittihad club have former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielders N’Golo Kante and Fabinho on their books, whilst their club captain is former Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema. It was reported by GOAL that Espirito Santo had a falling out with Benzema, and on the backdrop of a poor run of form, he was relieved of his duties.
Al-Ittihad are currently fifth in the league, and won their first game since the departure of former Spurs boss Espirito Santo before the international break came. It does look however that their manager search will have to go in a different direction, despite strong suggestions that Lopetegui could replace the Portuguese boss.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said in a tweet: “Understand Julen Lopetegui is now oriented to reject Al Ittihad proposal to become the new manager and replace Nuno Espirito Santo.
Former Sevilla and Wolves coach sett to turn down the proposal – told his focus is on the Premier League.”
Lopetegui has been out of work for 98 days, translating to three months after leaving Molineux. He was replaced by Gary O’Neil, who has so far done a good job with the Midlands club, with the team nine points above the relegation zone, with wins against Spurs and Manchester City to boast.
As reported exclusively by BirminghamWorld, Lopetegui was spotted at Stamford Bridge back at the end of September. His intention is to manage in the top-flight of English football again, however there are currently no jobs available for him to take.
Lopetegui was the last manager to leave his post, but according to SkyBet, Paul Heckingbottom is the favourite to leave his club, and then Man United boss Erik ten Hag, along with Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
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