France legend Patrick Vieira closes in on Senegal job

Former France international Patrick Vieira is reportedly closing in on becoming the new head coach of Senegal, with negotiations said to have advanced over a proposed four-year contract.

Vieira, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Arsenal, France and several other top European clubs, has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Teranga Lions as Senegal prepare for a new chapter.

The proposed agreement is understood to include a monthly salary in the region of €35,000 to €45,000, while the contract would run for four years.

The Senegalese Football Federation is also reportedly setting ambitious targets for Vieira, reflecting the country’s desire to remain among Africa’s leading football nations.

One of the immediate objectives would be to guide Senegal to the final of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The longer-term target is even more demanding. Vieira would be expected to qualify Senegal for the 2030 Fifa World Cup and lead the team to at least the semi-finals of the tournament.

The targets underline the expectations surrounding the former midfielder, who has previously managed clubs in France, England and the United States.

Vieira began his senior coaching career at Manchester City, where he worked with the club’s youth setup before taking charge of New York City FC in Major League Soccer.

He later managed French side Nice and Crystal Palace in the Premier League before taking over at Strasbourg. His most recent coaching role was with Genoa in Italy.

As a player, Vieira won the World Cup with France in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000. He also enjoyed considerable success at club level, most notably during his time at Arsenal, where he captained Arsene Wenger’s side and became one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders.

Senegal have established themselves as one of Africa’s strongest national teams in recent years, winning their first AFCON title in 2022 and consistently competing at the highest level on the continent.

The potential appointment of Vieira would therefore come with significant expectations, particularly with Senegal aiming to maintain their status as a major force in African football.

If the deal is completed, Vieira’s first major challenge will be building a team capable of challenging for the 2027 AFCON title while laying the foundations for a successful 2030 World Cup campaign.

With a four-year mandate reportedly on the table, Senegal appear ready to give Vieira both the time and responsibility to deliver those ambitious objectives.