Kristjaan Speakman in advanced talks over FC Copenhagen role after Sunderland exit | OneFootball

Sunderland Echo understands Kristjaan Speakman could return to football with FC Copenhagen, with talks now at an advanced stage.

Speakman helped drive Sunderland’s rise from League One to the Premier League during six years as sporting director. He left in February after Florent Ghisolfi took ultimate responsibility for football operations, then took a break while considering his next move.

FC Copenhagen finished seventh in the 12-team Superliga last season, yet remain one of Denmark’s leading clubs. They have featured regularly in the Champions League and won the domestic title in the previous campaign.

A significant rebuild is anticipated after a season that saw Copenhagen enter the relegation phase for the first time. The club parted company with sporting director Sune Smith-Nielsen in February, and Speakman is viewed as the frontrunner to replace him.

Copenhagen will compete in the Conference League next season after defeating rivals Brondby on the final day. On leaving Sunderland, Speakman described the role as the honour of a lifetime, thanked his family, praised staff and players, highlighted the team’s connection with the city and paid tribute to the club’s fans.

Source: Sunderland Echo