Steve Bruce in line to replace World Cup winner but Saudi job also on the table

19 February 2024 , 12:22

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Steve Bruce is eager to return to management having taken a break following his departure from West Brom. (Image: Getty Images)

Steve Bruce is interested in becoming the next South Korea manager, with the former Newcastle boss keen to move overseas for his next job.

And the 63-year-old, who has been out of management since leaving West Bromwich Albion in October 2022, is also being linked with Saudi Arabia's Pro League.

Bruce decided to take a break after leaving Albion, who were 22nd in the Championship at the time of his departure. But he is now refreshed and eager to explore opportunities away from England.

South Korea last week sacked Jurgen Klinsmann after they failed to win the Asian Cup and Bruce has been discussed as a potential candidate.

“Steve is aware of the interest from South Korea and it’s a position that definitely appeals to him," a source close to the former Manchester United defender told Mirror Football.

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"He is high on the list of a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia as well so he is assessing his options and will be having conversations over the coming weeks. Steve is keen to get back into management and sees managing overseas as a good next step in his career."

Bruce has managed 12 different English clubs - including both Sheffield sides, Newcastle's closest rivals Sunderland, Aston Villa and Birmingham City. But 2023 was the first calendar year in which he was not working since the late 90s.

Klinsmann, who was contracted until 2026, was sacked by South Korea with a brutal statement in which the KFA president Hwang-bo Kwan questioned his application. "We've reached a consensus that Klinsmann cannot exercise his leadership as national team head coach for various reasons and that a change of leadership is necessary," Kwan said.

Jurgen Klinsmann was last week sacked by South Korea. (AFP via Getty Images)

"Klinsmann has failed to display managerial capability and leadership expected of a national head coach in areas ranging from tactics and personnel management to work attitude and others required to bring about competitiveness to the team."

That came after it was revealed Tottenham captain Son Heung-min dislocated a finger after a clash with Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in following a game of table tennis. The PSG youngster apologised last week, saying: "I have caused great disappointment to all those football fans who support the national team. I am so sorry. I should have listened to the older players and I apologise for not showing a good attitude.

"I apologise to the many people who are disappointed in me. I am well aware of how invested fans are in me as a player. From now on, I will try to support the senior players and become a better player and person."

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Alan Smith