Algeria succession plans emerge as Vladimir Petkovic weighs next move

Vladimir Petkovic is reportedly attracting interest from the Saudi Football Federation as he prepares to leave his position as Algeria head coach.

Petkovic has reached an agreement with the Federation algerienne de football (FAF) to terminate his contract, just two months after signing an extension. The settlement is understood to include the payment of several months’ salary.

The Swiss-Bosnian coach is already being linked with a number of possible destinations, according to reports. Journalist Hafid Derradji says the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) is showing interest in Petkovic because of his experience at international level.

Should the move go ahead, Petkovic would replace Georgios Donis as head coach of Saudi Arabia. Donis has been in charge of the Green Falcons for four months, having taken over after the dismissal of Herve Renard.

Petkovic’s expected departure has also prompted Algeria to begin considering possible replacements. The FAF is reportedly working on a shortlist, with Renard among the candidates being discussed.

Renard is currently without a club or national-team contract after ending his brief assignment with Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup. His previous experience with Algeria and his wider international record are understood to make him an attractive option.

The Algerian authorities are also said to value expertise from Spain and Portugal. That has revived the possibility of Jose Peseiro taking charge, after he was previously considered for the role in 2024.

The FAF are also reported to have made enquiries about Xavi. However, the Algerian federation is said to have withdrawn from that option because the former Barcelona player’s financial demands were considered too high.

Reports earlier this week from Echorouk News claimed Petkovic was being monitored by three national teams: two from Asia and one from Africa. All three are believed to have taken part in the most recent World Cup.

Those federations are reportedly waiting for greater clarity over Petkovic’s future before deciding whether to make a formal move for the 62-year-old coach.

Petkovic took charge of Algeria after replacing Djamel Belmadi and guided the side during the latest phase of their international programme. His departure would leave the FAF facing another important appointment as it considers both experienced international managers and potential overseas candidates.

The situation remains unresolved, with Saudi Arabia’s interest and the approaches from other national teams dependent on Petkovic formally completing his exit from Algeria. At the same time, the FAF must decide whether to pursue a return for Renard, revisit its interest in Peseiro or explore another option.