Kristjaan Speakman in frame for FC Copenhagen role after Sunderland exit | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Kristjaan Speakman could return to football with FC Copenhagen, with talks over a move now advanced.

Speakman spent six years as Sunderland’s sporting director and was a key figure in the club’s rise from League One to the Premier League. He left in February as Florent Ghisolfi took charge of football operations and has been weighing up his options since.

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

He looks set to be asked to lead a rebuild after a poor season that included the club’s first stint in the relegation phase. Sporting director Sune Smith-Nielsen departed in February in response to results, and it now appears Speakman is in pole position to succeed him.

Copenhagen will play in the Conference League next season after beating rivals Brondby on the final day.

After his departure, Speakman issued an emotional statement reflecting on his time at Sunderland. He described the job as the honour of a lifetime, thanked his family and highlighted reconnecting the team with the region’s identity. He also praised the club’s fans and wished them well for the remainder of the season.

Source: Sunderland Echo