Lopetegui refuses multi-million dollar contract to work in the Premier League

Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui declined the opportunity to lead Al-Ittihad, as he aspires to work in the English Premier League, according to AS.

The club from Saudi Arabia offered the 57-year-old specialist €18 million per season, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the world. The Spaniard, who currently resides in England, rejected the proposal due to his desire to work in the EPL. A few days later, Al-Ittihad announced the appointment of Marcelo Gallardo.

In June 2019, Lopetegui took charge of Sevilla, signing a three-year contract. On August 21, 2020, he guided the "Red and Whites" to victory in the UEFA Europa League (defeating Inter Milan 3-2 in the final), securing his first club trophy in his coaching career. On October 6, 2022, following Sevilla's significant defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the group stage of the Champions League, he was dismissed from his managerial position.

In November 2022, Lopetegui became the head coach of English club Wolverhampton Wanderers, currently occupying the penultimate, 19th position in the Premier League standings. He left the English club in August due to the team's lackluster transfer campaign and has been without a job since.