Argentina and Sevilla have reached agreement for Jorge Sampaoli to take over as boss of his home country.
Sampaoli, 57, guided Sevilla to a fourth-placed finish in La Liga in his only season in charge. He led them to the last 16 of the Champions League losing 3-2 on aggregate to Leicester.
“All parties are satisfied by the agreement reached,” said a Sevilla statement on Friday.
Argentina sacked Edgardo Bauza last month after eight matches as coach.
Sevilla’s statement added: “This agreement in principle is pending the drafting and presentation of the relevant documents, which must be signed by all parties by next Thursday, 1 June.”
Sampaoli a1.5 mn Release Clause
Sevilla president Jose Castro reiterated on Friday that his club would not accept a reduction in the release clause.
He said on the club’s official website: “I respect the AFA but the only thing that we have on our mind is the complete clause — a1.5m is a1.5m.”
Sampaoli revealed last week that Argentina wanted to appoint him.AThe 57-year-old can leave Sevilla this summer, however, provided his a1.5 million release clause is paid.
“My contract with the club contains clauses which allow me to leave,” said the Argentine. “There’s a clear desire from my country to have me as coach and I’ve had a dream of taking that chance.”
AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia confirmed on Friday that “the Sampaoli era is beginning for Argentina.”
He told reporters that a confidentiality clause prevents him from speaking about the terms agreed to regarding the coach’s release clause.
Sampaoli arrived in Argentina on Thursday and will beAunveiled as the new Albiceleste coach on June 1.
Argentina take on Brazil in Melbourne on June 9 and they play at Singapore a week later.
Argentina, fifth in their South American qualifying group for the World Cup; resume their qualifying campaign at Uruguay on August 31. Only the top four sides will qualify directly for the tournament in Russia.
