Vuk Rasovic set for Saudi Pro League return with Abha

Vuk Rasovic is close to becoming the new manager of Saudi Arabian club Abha, according to Saudi newspaper Al Youm.

The 53-year-old Serbian is expected to replace Croatian coach Damir Buric, with Abha considering a change after a difficult start to the season.

Rasovic had been close to taking charge of Egyptian club Zamalek at the beginning of the current campaign. However, the club ultimately decided to keep Moataz Gamal in the role.

Abha’s latest setback came in a 2-1 defeat by Al Nassr in the sixth round of the Saudi Pro League. The result left them with one point from their opening six matches, having drawn once and lost five times.

Rasovic began his coaching career in 2006 as an assistant at Serbian club Partizan. Five years later, he took charge of Teleoptik for his first role as a head coach.

He returned to Partizan in 2013, this time as manager, in a spell that lasted one season. In 2015, he moved abroad to lead Belarusian side Dinamo Minsk.

The Serbian has also managed several clubs in the Arab region. His previous work in Saudi Arabia included spells with Al Faisaly and Al Fayha, while in the United Arab Emirates he coached Al Dhafra, Al Wahda and Kalba.

A move to Abha would therefore represent a return to Saudi football for Rasovic, who is now close to succeeding Buric at the club.