Rijkaard ready to boss Saudis for €15.9m

FORMER Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard will sign a contract to lead Saudi Arabia, according to an official from the team on yesterday.

Saudi Arabia official Mohamed al-Mesael said Rijkaard is expected to a sign a three-year deal worth €15.9m in London today.

The former Netherlands midfielder was fired as Barcelona coach in 2008 after leading them to two Spanish championships and the Champions League title over five years.

Once among the top teams in Asia, Saudi Arabia has been without a coach since crashing out of the Asian Cup in January. A deal was signed with Ricardo Gomes but it was cancelled after Saudi Arabia rejected his demands for taking over.