Cruzeiro open talks to sign coach Artur Jorge, currently in Qatar | OneFootball

After coach Tite’s departure, Cruzeiro has opened talks to hire the Portuguese manager Artur Jorge, 54, as reported by HG Play and Deus me Dibre. Currently working in Arab football, the coach’s staff is in contact with the Raposa’s board. The Portuguese manager’s name had already been one of the club’s favorites after Leonardo Jardim left in December last year. To secure the coach, Raposa will have to negotiate the release clause with Al-Rayyan, which was speculated to be around R$ 30 million in December.

According to the portal’s findings, the release clause remains in the contract, although now under terms considered more negotiable. The geopolitical scenario in the Middle East, with Qatar involved in the recent escalation of conflicts, also factors into the equation and could influence a possible transfer of the Portuguese coach. Even so, any progress depends on further talks between the parties.

Who is Artur Jorge? A look back at the Portuguese coach’s career

Before gaining international recognition and winning important titles in Brazilian football, Portuguese coach Artur Jorge built his career gradually in Portugal, working his way up through the lower divisions, youth teams, and later establishing himself in European football.

Born in the city of Braga, the coach began his journey in the sport as a player. Playing as a defender, he spent most of his career at Sporting Braga, where he stayed for over a decade before ending his professional career at Penafiel.

Beginning of his coaching career

After hanging up his boots, Artur Jorge started his coaching career in Braga’s youth teams. His experience developing young players was important for his growth and opened doors to opportunities in professional football.

His first job in charge of a professional team was at Famalicão, in the 2009/10 season, when he led the team to the playoffs for promotion from the Portuguese fourth division. After that, he also managed lesser-known clubs such as Tirsense and Limianos, gaining experience in the country’s lower leagues.

Establishing himself at Braga

The most significant leap in his career came once again at Braga. After years working at various levels within the club — including youth teams, the under-23s, and the B team — Artur Jorge was given opportunities with the main squad.

Initially as an interim coach in 2020, he took over permanently in 2022. During his tenure, he led the team to one of the best campaigns in the club’s recent history in the Portuguese Championship and won the Portuguese League Cup in the 2023/24 season.

Breakthrough in Brazilian football

His consistent work in Portugal caught the attention of Botafogo, who hired him in 2024. At the Rio de Janeiro club, the coach experienced the most remarkable moment of his career so far.

Under his leadership, Botafogo won two historic titles in the same season: the Copa Libertadores da América and the Brazilian Championship. This campaign placed Artur Jorge among the Portuguese coaches who have won the main South American competition, alongside names such as Jorge Jesus and Abel Ferreira.

Main career titles

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.