Following a year-and-a-half period outside the dugout, Rafa Benitez is on the verge of becoming the new manager of La Liga club Celta Vigo.
According to The Athletic, the 63-year-old is close to returning to club management to assume the reins at the Estadio de Baladios after turning down job offers from Saudi Arabia.
Celta secured La Liga survival last season by the skin of their teeth, finishing only three points clear of the relegation zone, courtesy of a 2-1 home win over newly-crowned champions Barcelona on the final day.
However, keeping Los Celticos in the top society of Spanish football wasn’t enough for former manager Carlos Carvalhal to avoid the axe, and he left his post by mutual consent earlier in June.
The Spaniards have struggled to hire a high-profile manager ever since Luis Enrique left the club in 2014, with eight coaches passing through the Balaidos gates since his exit.
Benitez, who was sacked by Everton in January 2022, has been on the lookout for a convincing project to take on, only to find out none were waiting for him.
Since leaving his native country in 2004, the former Valencia manager spent the next decade wandering between England and Italy in charge of Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Napoli.
He briefly returned to Spain to coach Real Madrid in 2015/16, but after a trophyless season at the Santiago Bernabeu, he fleed the country again to return to the Premier League.
A decent three-year stint at Newcastle United between 2016 and 2019 earned him a high-paid job in China as he took charge of Dalian Pro after departing St James’ Park.
After two years in the Chinese Super League, Benitez moved back to Europe, a decision he soon came to regret, with Everton dismissing him after only six months.
He is now ready to embark on a new chapter in his extensive managerial career, returning to a familiar territory, where he enjoyed much success during his memorable time at Valencia.
Benitez guided Los Che to two La Liga titles in 2002 and 2004 and was named the league’s Best Coach in the former year.
