Marcelo Gallardo Set for Record €30 Million Severance After Early Termination by Al Ittihad

Marcelo Gallardo, the immediate former Al Ittihad manager, is set to receive a record-breaking severance package after the club terminated his contract in May 2024, a year before it was to expire.

Stepping into the shoes of Nuno Espirito Santo in November 2023, Marcelo Gallardo was entrusted with stabilizing the club. The club’s hierarchy had high hopes for the Argentine tactician, especially with star players like Jota, Fabinho, N’Golo Kante, and the one-time Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema, in the squad. However, Gallardo’s tenure was a disappointing one of results, with 15 wins and 14 losses in 33 matches.

Additionally, Gallardo had a falling out with his star player, Karim Benzema. Their conflicts led to several high-profile incidents, including omitting Benzema from the mid-season training camp squad. Some might argue that the failure to get along with Al Ittihad’s star player and get the best out of him for the good of the team was Gallardo’s undoing at the club.

Local reports now indicate that Gallardo is set to receive a €30 million severance package from Al Ittihad based on the stipulation on his contract, which was set to run to June 2025. Negotiations between the club and the manager’s representatives have failed to bear fruit so far, with his team unwilling to waive his compensation or agree to a lower amount.

Al Ittihad ended the 2023-24 season in fifth place, 42 points behind leaders Al Hilal. Sporting Director Ramon Planes has his work cut out for him, prioritizing finding a replacement for Gallardo and resolving the Karim Benzema situation.