Former Dundee United head coach Tam Courts is edging closer to a surprise return to football in the Middle East.
Reports from Courier Sport have revealed that Courts is in ‘advanced talks’ with newly promoted Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah FC.
Courts has been in management for over a decade and has taken charge of the likes of Kelty Hearts, Dundee United and most recently Budapest Honved in Hungary.
However, his latest role is not expected to be a managerial post as boss Michel recently penned a new contract at Al-Qadsiah. Instead, it is reported by Courier Sport that Courts will oversee the club’s youth team as the Saudi Pro League club aims to bolster its homegrown talent ahead of the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Qadsiah are considered to be an ambitious club – they are owned by oil giant Aramco who were, as of 2023, the second-largest company in the world by revenue.
This summer they have already brought in Real Madrid veteran Nacho Fernandez, along with Belgium shot-stopper Koen Casteels from Wolfsburg and it is expected that further signings will be made this summer.
Courts, 42, has been without a club since his four-month stint at Budapest Honved came to an end in October 2022. He is credited with a successful five-year stint at Kelty Hearts which saw him boast a 66.67% win record between 2013 and 2018.
While he also led Dundee United to an impressive fourth place finish in his sole season in the Premiership – securing European football for the first time in a decade. He struggled to replicate his success in Hungary and left after just four months after winning six of his 18 games in the capital.
Southampton face stumbling block as they hone in on Celtic star
Newly-promoted Premier League side Southampton have made Matt O’Riley their priority target this summer as they aim to prepare for life back in the top-flight.
The Daily Echo understands that manager Russell Martin is a huge admirer of the Dane after an impressive individual campaign for the Hoops which saw him score 18 goals in 37 league appearances on route to the title.
Martin has previously worked with O’Riley at MK Dons in League One and it is believed that he will use these links to his advantage when trying to secure a deal, thought to be in the region of around £20m.
O’Riley, himself, has heaped praise on Martin’s influence and in a previous interview in September 2022, said: “He was a big influence on me at MK. He’s the first manager to really understand me as a player and more importantly as a person.”
Southampton are pushing hard to secure the deal which would be a statement of intent following promotion. However, the player’s personal terms and wage demands are thought to be a stumbling block, which could drag out the deal, according to Daily Echo.
Atletico Madrid also pursued the player in January, and the Spanish giants along with a host of Premier League clubs are likely to be watching the situation closely.
