Ex-Premier League midfielder to land World Cup job after boss is sacked weeks before tournament

Apr 17, 2026 - 17:45

Ex-Premier League midfielder Georgios Donis is set to take over as Saudi Arabia head coach for this summer’s World Cup.

talkSPORT understands the former Greece international has already agreed a deal in principle to sign a one-year contract.

Georgios Donis is set to take over as Saudi Arabia head coach just weeks before the start of the World Cup

Georgios Donis - Blackburn — Donis’ move to Blackburn in 1996 was a record money signing for a Greek player at the time

It comes after Saudi chiefs parted ways with Herve Renard ahead of the tournament that gets started on June 11.

Donis, who enjoyed spells at Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town during his playing days, is currently coaching Saudi Pro League side Al Khaleej.

The 56-year-old played for Blackburn between 1996-97, as well as the Blades in 1999 and Huddersfield between 1999-2000.

Across his spells in England, Donis made 54 combined appearances, 21 of those in the Premier League, scoring three goals.

He was capped 24 times by his country over a six-year period in the 1990s, registering five goals.

Now, with just 55 days until the start of the World Cup, Donis will be handed the reins to lead Saudi Arabia on the grandest stage.

He has 24 years of managerial experience behind him, having coached in Greece, Israel and Saudi Arabia

However, his new role will be his first at international level.

Saudi Arabia were drawn alongside Spain, Cape Verde and Uruguay in Group H for the World Cup this summer.

What was Renard’s reaction to his dismissal?

Meanwhile, Renard, who took charge of Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has reflected on his two spells in charge.

Herve Renard’s second spell as Saudi Arabia boss has come to an abrupt end

“That’s football,” he told AFP after he was sacked. “Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me.

“And there’s only one coach who has led them through both the qualifiers and the World Cup; that’s me, in 2022.

“At least there will be that sense of pride.”

The Frenchman led Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023 before being replaced by Roberto Mancini.

Renard oversaw Saudi Arabia’s most famous victory in recent times when they beat Argentina 2-1 in their opening group-stage match at the 2022 World Cup.

He went on to manage France’s women’s side at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Prior to his time with Saudi Arabia, Renard led both Zambia and the Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations glory.