Bruno Lage close to Al Diriyah job, could face Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

Bruno Lage is in final negotiations to become Al Diriyah head coach, a move that could be confirmed in the coming days, according to Glorioso 1904. The newly promoted club would be league rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.

The 50-year-old has been out of work since leaving Benfica on 17 September 2025 and is now edging towards a return to the dugout.

Talks have been ongoing for several days and are described as very advanced, with only contract details, notably the length, to finalise. An agreement is viewed as imminent.

Al Diriyah, from the city of the same name about 15 kilometres northwest of Riyadh, secured promotion after a 2-1 play-off win over Al Ula, coached by José Peseiro.

The club plan major investment in the squad to be competitive immediately in the Saudi Pro League, where Ronaldo competes. Last season their ranks included striker Moussa Marega, 35, formerly of Porto.

If the deal is completed, Lage would return to a region where he has worked before, having led Al Ahli's under-19s and B team in the United Arab Emirates. His career also includes spells with Benfica, Botafogo and Wolverhampton, plus assistant roles at Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday.

Source: Glorioso 1904