Zlatko Dalić set to join UAE on a €5 million-a-year deal

Former Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić is set to move to the United Arab Emirates after reportedly reaching terms on a lucrative deal, according to media in Croatia. Despite reported interest from Saudi Arabia and South Korea, Dalić is expected to travel to Dubai at the end of this month (or the beginning of the next) to sign a multi-year contract with the UAE national football setup.

Financial terms are said to have played a decisive role in his choice: Dalić could earn as much as five million euros per year. The coach, the most successful in Croatia’s history, took a short break after the World Cup in the United States and — after consulting his family — opted to continue his career. He has repeatedly stated that at this stage he prefers managing national teams rather than club sides, and after nine years in charge of Croatia he has decided to take on a new challenge.

Reports say Dalić has already reached a verbal agreement with the president of the local football association, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, who is said to be impressed by everything Dalić has achieved. There was reportedly no real competition for the role: the offer was presented to him quickly and he accepted.

Debut and schedule

Although the exact date of departure for the Middle East has not been confirmed, Dalić is scheduled to lead the United Arab Emirates at the Gulf Cup, which takes place in Saudi Arabia at the end of September. His debut is due on 24 September against Yemen in Jeddah, and the UAE will also face Bahrain and Qatar in the group stage.

The coming weeks should clarify the formalities and the start date of the contract in Dubai. For Dalić, who spent nearly a decade shaping Croatia’s national team, the move represents both a significant financial package and a new international assignment.

Photo: MugFPL @PandaNoComply (X)