Stefano Pioli and Al-Ittihad are putting the finishing touches on the three-year contract that will see the coach move to Saudi Arabia. The former Milan boss will become the highest-paid boss at a club level. Though, his wages won’t be as exorbitant as initial reports suggested. He’ll make €8/10M per season plus add-ons. Roberto Mancini, who guides the national team, earns €30M annually, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.

The signature will come short order. He’s replacing Marcelo Gallardo, who was a secondary target for the Rossoneri bench but lost the race to Paulo Fonseca. He had a tumultuous rapport with a few players, especially Karim Benzema.

Al-Ittihad has already started making moves after zeroing in on Pioli. They are in advanced talks to acquire Arthur Theate from Rennes. He has often been linked with a Serie A return. Fiorentina were considering him again. He’s about to join for €18M.

The new gaffer could instruct his side to go after Ismael Bennacer, whom Milan consider expendable. The midfielder has been attached to a move to the Middle East, although not to a team in particular. He thrived under the veteran boss. A reunion could be in the cards. There’s a €50M release clause in his contract, but he could transfer for less.

Al-Ittihad chose Pioli after reaching out to several coaches, including Massimiliano Allegri. The gaffer didn’t want to transfer to the Middle East at first but was eventually convinced. They’ll face Inter in a friendly on August 7^th.