Paolo Maldini is the ‘main candidate’ to become Al-Ittihad director with move to the Saudi Pro League a ‘serious possibility’ for the AC Milan legend as he plots his next career move

• Paolo Maldini is in line to take up the role of director at Saudi side Al-Ittihad 
• The legendary defender left role as technical director at AC Milan in June
• What is the WORST Premier League hat-trick? – Find out on It’s All Coming Up 

Paolo Maldini could be set for a return to football, with reports suggesting the five-time Champions League winner is being lined up to take over as a director at Al-Ittihad.

Maldini, who turned out solely for AC Milan throughout a remarkable 25-year playing career, left the Serie A giants in June after serving four seasons as technical director. 

His work behind the scenes helped Milan win their first league title since 2011 in the 2021-22 season. 

However, Maldini was held responsible for a series of underwhelming signings, former Liverpool man Divock Origi among them, that saw Stefano Pioli’s side barely able to scrape a fourth-place finish last term.

The 126-cap Italian international could now make his return to football, with Al-Ittihad interested in his services.

Paolo Maldini is the ‘main candidate’ to take on the role of director at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad

Maldini won five Champions League titles throughout a glittering 25-year playing career with AC Milan

He took on the role of technical director in 2019 and helped the Serie A giants win their first league title since 2011

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Fabrizio Romano posted on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Paolo Maldini, main candidate to become new Al-Ittihad director with new chapter in Saudi Pro League.

‘Former AC Milan director, set to decide his future soon with Al-Ittihad serious possibility being considered.’

Maldini could be set for a busy first few weeks in the job, with Al-Ittihad in the market for a new manager after former Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked following an alleged bust-up with star striker Karim Benzema.

Former Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked this week by Al-Ittihad after a torrid run of form

Al-Ittihad, who also signed former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante and ex-Liverpool man Fabinho in the summer, are currently sat fifth in the Saudi Pro League table after a poor run of form.

Benzema and Nuno reportedly clashed after elimination from the AFC Asian Champions League at the hands of Iraqi club Al-Quwa Al-Juwiy.

A run of five domestic league games without a win has also left Al-Ittihad off the pace in the race for the league title, with league leaders Al-Hilal currently 11 points clear of them. 

Benzema scored a hat-trick to help them to a 4-2 win against Abha on Friday, but Maldini will still have work to do to improve their fortunes if his appointment goes ahead as expected.

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