Al-Hilal Eye Nottingham Forest Manager Vítor Pereira

Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest manager Vítor Pereira as uncertainty continues around Simone Inzaghi’s future.

According to GiveMeSport’s Chief Football Correspondent, Ben Jacobs, Al-Hilal are considering Pereira and would be prepared to offer the Nottingham Forest manager a significant wage if they decide to make a change this summer.

Jacobs reports that Inzaghi could still leave Al-Hilal, with the Saudi Pro League club already making contact around alternative names in case they need to move for a new head coach.

Pereira is one of the names under consideration, and there is an obvious Saudi link. The Portuguese coach has previously managed Al-Ahli and Al-Shabab, giving him experience of the league and the wider football environment in the country.

Forest, though, are already trying to secure his future at the City Ground.

Jacobs reports that Pereira is currently preparing for the new season with Nottingham Forest and is in talks over an extension, with an offer already on the table.

That leaves Forest in a familiar summer position. Pereira has rebuilt his reputation in England, delivered enough to attract outside attention and now has a decision sitting in front of him at a time when planning for next season is already underway.

The manager had previously spoken carefully about his future. Asked towards the end of the season about the possibility of a longer contract, Pereira made clear that any project at Forest would still have to be judged by results.

“I believe we can do a five-year contract, but after a few months, if you don’t have the results, the project will finish,” Pereira said.

“We need to work day by day, believing in what we are building together. I know because we start our work together for next season.

“I know the club wants to make another contract with me, but in the end it’s about the results.”

Those comments now carry added interest. Pereira was not speaking like a manager trying to force his way out, but he was also realistic about how quickly football changes.

Forest’s offer shows they want continuity. After a season of progress, keeping the same manager would give the club a clearer starting point for recruitment, pre-season and the next stage of squad planning.

Al-Hilal’s interest complicates that picture. Saudi clubs have the financial power to test situations quickly, and a significant wage offer would naturally spark discussion, especially for a manager who already knows the region.

The key difference is that interest is not yet a move. Jacobs’ report points to Al-Hilal exploring options rather than Pereira being on the brink of leaving Forest.

Still, the situation gives Forest something to watch. Pereira is already working towards the new campaign, but the longer his contract situation remains unresolved, the more room there is for external interest to become a factor.

Forest have put their offer forward. Al-Hilal are now monitoring the situation. Pereira’s own words suggest he understands both sides of the equation: the appeal of building something longer-term, and the reality that football rarely waits for perfect timing.