Patrick Vieira set to sign Senegal contract before proposed unveiling

Patrick Vieira could finally formalise his appointment as Senegal manager this week, with the team’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign due to begin shortly afterwards.

Vieira was named Senegal’s head coach on 18 August but has yet to be officially presented to supporters. According to journalist Mansour Loum, the former Arsenal captain is expected to sign his contract on Monday, with a presentation planned for Friday 18 September.

The Senegalese Football Federation has not confirmed either date.

Vieira’s appointment was intended to mark a new era for the national team, but the announcement did not immediately complete the process for him to take charge. On 18 August, the federation said administrative and contractual discussions were still continuing. Afrik-Foot subsequently reported that the agreement with Vieira remained only a preliminary deal at that stage.

The lack of a public presentation, combined with conflicting reports over the contract, has prolonged the uncertainty. At the beginning of September, Vieira returned to France while his final agreement had still not been announced.

The manager had insisted on certain safeguards before taking the role and did not want to be formally introduced until his contract had been signed.

Despite the delay, Vieira has already begun work behind the scenes. He has made contact with several Senegal internationals and started considering the make-up of his squad.

His first selection could include a number of new faces. Sadibou Sane and Lamine Sy are among the players being mentioned, while Nobel Mendy could return to the national team. However, those names remain possibilities rather than choices confirmed by Vieira.

Senegal’s qualifying campaign

Senegal will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Mozambique on 25 September. The match was initially scheduled to take place in Dakar but has been moved to Maputo at the request of the Senegalese Football Federation, which said no suitable stadium was available under satisfactory conditions.

The Lions will then travel to Ethiopia for their next match on 29 September.

Should the proposed timetable go ahead, Vieira will be presented just one week before his first competitive fixture. That would leave him limited time to explain his plans, announce his squad and establish his methods with the players.

For several weeks, attention around the Senegal team has focused largely on the unresolved details of Vieira’s contract. Supporters are now waiting to see the decisions he makes as manager, including the players he selects for the start of his tenure.