Vuk Rasovic set for Saudi return after Zamalek move falls through

Vuk Rasovic is close to returning to the Saudi Pro League, just two years after leaving the country, following the collapse of his proposed move to Egyptian club Zamalek.

The Serbian coach had been linked with taking charge of Zamalek for next season, replacing Moutamed Gamal. However, the Egyptian club subsequently changed direction and decided to retain its current Egyptian manager.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya, Rasovic has now closed the door on the Zamalek job and is considering other offers before deciding on his next appointment.

The 51-year-old is understood to be choosing between two proposals: one from the Roshn Saudi League and another from the Qatar Stars League. A final decision is expected within the next few hours.

Rasovic has already rejected several other offers from Saudi clubs because he was not convinced by the clarity of their sporting projects. He also wanted assurances that he would be given the technical authority required to implement his plans.

The Serbian is a familiar figure in Saudi football. He first managed Al-Faisaly during the 2017-18 season before taking charge of Al-Fayha, where he worked between 2021 and 2024.

His most significant achievement in Saudi Arabia came with Al-Fayha in 2022, when he guided the club to the King Cup title. Al-Fayha defeated Al Hilal on penalties in the final after the match ended 1-1 following normal time.

That victory made Rasovic the coach who led Al-Fayha past one of Saudi Arabia’s most successful clubs to win the country’s premier domestic cup competition.

After his spell with Al-Fayha ended, Rasovic returned to the United Arab Emirates, where he had previously managed Al Dhafra and Al Wahda. His latest UAE appointment was with Kalba FC, who he remained with until February.

His potential return to Saudi Arabia would therefore come after only a short period away from the league, and could see him take charge of a new project after his anticipated move to Zamalek failed to materialise.

Rasovic’s coaching career has included experience in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with his time at Al-Fayha providing the defining moment of his previous spell in the Saudi league. His victory over Al Hilal in the 2022 King Cup final remains his biggest achievement in the country.

He is now assessing the Saudi and Qatari offers, with his next destination expected to be confirmed shortly.