Răzvan Lucescu to leave PAOK and join Al‑Sadd in Qatar

Romanian coach Răzvan Lucescu, 57, who has led PAOK Thessaloniki since 2021 and is regarded as the club’s most successful manager, has reached an agreement with owner Ivan Savvidis to terminate his contract early, despite it being valid until summer 2027. The Greek press reported the decision on 15 June 2026, quoting the club’s statement that “un acord cu Ivan Savvidis pentru încetarea colaborării”.

Lucescu is expected to become the new head coach of Al‑Sadd in Doha after the Qatari side dismissed Roberto Mancini. Negotiations have resulted in Al‑Sadd agreeing to a reduced termination payment, reported to be around €4 million instead of the full clause. The move marks the end of a seven‑year tenure at PAOK and opens a new chapter for the Romanian manager in the Qatar Stars League.