Al Ahly’s pursuit of former Benfica manager hits a snag

Ahly dealt with blow in Lage's appointment

Photo: Official Benfica website

Egyptian giants Al Ahly have suffered a major blow in their negotiations to appoint Bruno Lage as the new head coach.

The two parties were believed to be in advanced talks to reach total agreement on the finer details that would see the Portuguese mentor fill the vacant post.

Lage was said to be open to moving to Cairo as he is currently unattached following his sacking by Liga Portugal heavyweights Benfica a fortnight ago.

Interestingly, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss had accepted the Red Devils’ financial offer worth € 4.8 million per season.

Now, sources have confirmed the deal collapsed in the final stages due to a disagreement on contractual clauses and Lage’s insistence on bringing his own technical team.

Moreover, the 49-year-old tactician is reportedly waiting for offers from top European leagues after initial advances to his camp.

In the wake of Lage’s rejection, Ahly have added three more European coaches in their shortlist for a potential new boss in the hotseat.

The Egyptian champions earmarked Danish coach Thomas Thomasberg as the frontrunner, while Urs Fischer from Switzerland is also a candidate, along with legendary ex-Galatasaray gaffer Fatih Terim.