Sergio Conceicao’s Fenerbahce talks end as he targets Europe’s top five leagues

Sergio Conceicao’s proposed move to Fenerbahce has fallen through after the Portuguese coach made clear that he wants to manage in one of Europe’s five major leagues.

Conceicao has been without a club since leaving Al-Ittihad at the end of last season. His time in charge ended without a trophy, and he has not taken charge of another team since his departure from the Saudi club.

The 50-year-old had emerged as a strong candidate to replace Ismail Kartal at Fenerbahce. Kartal left his position in October, prompting the Turkish club to consider several options for the next stage of its project.

However, Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu reported that Fenerbahce have reached an agreement with Emre Belozoglu, the manager of Kasımpasa, to take charge of the team.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano subsequently explained why negotiations between Fenerbahce and Conceicao failed. According to Romano, the Portuguese coach is focused on securing a position in one of Europe’s five biggest domestic leagues.

The development comes amid speculation that Conceicao could return to the Roshn Saudi League, this time to manage Al-Ahli. He has been linked with the club as a possible replacement for Dutch manager Matthias Jaissle should Jaissle be dismissed.

Conceicao’s future has remained uncertain since his departure from Al-Ittihad, despite his strong record in European football. His most prominent spell came at Porto, where he established himself as one of the leading Portuguese coaches.

He also had a spell with Milan and won the Italian Super Cup with the club last year. Despite that success, he has yet to agree a new managerial position since leaving Al-Ittihad.

Fenerbahce’s reported agreement with Belozoglu therefore appears to have ended the immediate possibility of Conceicao taking over in Turkey. The Portuguese coach’s next move will instead depend on whether an opportunity becomes available in one of Europe’s five major leagues, or whether the reported interest from Al-Ahli develops further.