Cameroon national team coach Marc Brys has emerged as a strong contender for the managerial role at Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, as speculation mounts over his future with the Indomitable Lions.
According to Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, whose report has been widely echoed by the Cameroonian media, Al Nassr is actively seeking a replacement for outgoing coach Stefano Pioli.
The Italian, who is reportedly set to take over at Fiorentina following an agreement in principle, is expected to vacate his position soon — opening the door for Brys to make a potential move to the Gulf region.
The 62-year-old Belgian is no stranger to football in the Middle East, having previously managed Saudi clubs Al Fayçaly and Al Raed Najran. His familiarity with the region, combined with his recent work on the international stage, appears to have caught the attention of Al Nassr’s hierarchy as they search for a new head coach capable of continuing the club’s ambitions both domestically and in Asia.
Brys only recently took charge of the Cameroon national team under turbulent circumstances, stepping in to replace Rigobert Song. His appointment sparked controversy due to an ongoing power struggle between Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), and the Ministry of Sports, which appointed Brys without Eto’o’s approval.
Despite the political tensions surrounding his appointment, Brys made an immediate impact by successfully steering Cameroon to qualification for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He has also positioned the team strongly in their bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the internal conflict within Cameroonian football has persisted, casting a long shadow over Brys’ tenure. Reports of friction between the coach and Eto’o have continued to surface, fuelling speculation that his stay with the Indomitable Lions may be short-lived.
A move to Al Nassr could offer Brys a way out of the ongoing standoff while returning him to familiar territory. The Saudi Pro League has become an increasingly attractive destination for high-profile managers, and Brys would be expected to take the reins of a team that has featured prominent names such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané.
Al Nassr’s interest in Brys also signals the club’s ambition to bring in a tactician with international experience and a reputation for instilling structure and discipline. Should he accept an offer, Brys would be expected to build on the team’s recent progress and compete at the highest levels of Asian football.
For now, Brys remains at the helm of the Cameroonian national side, but the coming days could prove decisive. His potential departure would force FECAFOOT and the Sports Ministry to confront unresolved issues around governance and team management — a topic that has sparked national debate in recent months.
Whether Marc Brys opts to remain with Cameroon through AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers, or chooses to return to the Gulf for a new challenge with Al Nassr, his next move could mark a major turning point for both club and country.
