Artur Jorge signals wish to stay in Qatar as Vasco seek new coach | OneFootball

Vasco’s preferred candidate Artur Jorge has indicated he wants to remain at Al-Rayyan, leaving talks with the Rio club stagnant. Discussions did not progress beyond an initial approach.

According to Globo.com, the board began mapping options on Monday and gave the Portuguese unanimous approval in internal talks.

Representatives told Vasco that Jorge intends to fulfil his Al-Rayyan contract, which runs to June 2027. He argues he has only recently built the squad to his liking.

Al-Rayyan are fourth in the Qatari league, seven points behind leaders Al-Sadd, with six rounds to play. The final round is scheduled for 28 April.

His release clause is around R$ 30 million. To lower that outlay, Vasco would need to persuade the coach and negotiate his release with the Qatari club.

Jorge does not rule out a future return to Brazil and views it as a possibility after his 2024 stint at Botafogo. He wants a club capable of competing for South America’s top honours.

Vasco are prioritising the foreign market and have also discussed Marcelo Gallardo, set to oversee his final River Plate match on Thursday. Enquiries were made, with no formal response, and those close to him consider an immediate return to work unlikely.

Against Santos on Thursday in the Campeonato Brasileiro, assistant Bruno Lazaroni will take charge.

Source: Globo.com