Sergio Conceicao has turned down a mega-money offer from the Middle East amid reports linking the FC Porto manager with Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers, as reported by Record.
While Wolves appear to be prioritising the man who took Conceicao’s crown in 2019, leading Benfica to the Portuguese league title at Porto’s expense, concerns over Bruno Lage’s availability mean the Black Country giants could soon be back in the familiar surrounds of square one.
In the post-Brexit world, Lage may be denied the requisite work permit, meaning Wolves’ first-choice managerial target could slip through their fingers.
The one-time Swansea City assistant isn’t the only Iberian tactician on their hit-list, however, with The Athletic reporting Conceicao also has plenty of admirers at Molineux.
Sergio Conceicao could replace Nuno at Wolves
What’s more, 46-year-old Conceicao has turned down a staggering £9 million-a-season offer from Qatari outfit Al Sadd, a move that would have seen him replace Barcelona-linked Xavi Hernandez at the reigning Stars League champions.
Conceicao appears unlikely to take the Napoli job either.
As it stands, however, all signs suggest the former Portugal international will extend his stay at Porto and continue his quest for a third Primeira Liga title.
Every cloud has a silver lining, however.
Conceicao – a Mourinho disciple
And while Conceicao’s managerial record isn’t in question, his suitability for the Wolves job is.
The men from Molineux are prioritising an attack-minded coach capable of bringing the fun back to the Midlands after an insomnia-curing 2020/21 campaign.
And Conceicao, for all his qualities, is a disciple of a certain Jose Mourinho, his football based on efficiency rather than aesthetics and success at the expense of style.
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