Roberto Martinez agreed four-year Saudi Arabia deal worth €13m a year

Roberto Martinez agreed to become Saudi Arabia’s head coach on a four-year contract worth €13m (£11.2m) annually, according to reports in the Saudi media.

The agreement between the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the former Portugal manager was reached before last month’s 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, despite reports only emerging publicly three months before the start of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The proposed appointment has angered some Saudi Arabia supporters, particularly after Greek manager Georgios Donis led the national team to victory in the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup.

According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the arrangement with Martinez was negotiated by Matt Crocker, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s technical director. The deal would see the Spanish coach take charge of the senior national team for the next four years.

Under its terms, Martinez would have overall authority over Saudi Arabia until the end of the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

However, Saudi Arabia’s success under Donis could lead to the agreement being reconsidered. His future with the national team is expected to be reviewed before the start of the next AFC Asian Cup.

The 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup will be staged in Saudi Arabia next year, with matches taking place in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar from 7 January to 5 February.

Saudi Arabia will be aiming to win the continental competition for a fourth time. Their most recent triumph came in 1996, meaning they have been waiting 30 years to lift the trophy again.

Martinez most recently managed Portugal, having taken charge of the national side before leaving the position. His reported agreement with Saudi Arabia would therefore represent a return to international management and a long-term commitment to the country’s national team.

The possibility of appointing Martinez had prompted criticism from supporters who wanted Donis to remain in charge following the Gulf Cup success. The immediate decision now rests with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, which must determine whether to proceed with the existing agreement or reassess the coaching position before the Asian Cup.