Strasbourg are on the verge of appointing Gary O’Neil as their new head coach, following an agreement in principle for him to replace Liam Rosenior, who has left the French club after being identified as Chelsea’s top managerial target. Both clubs fall under the BlueCo ownership group, which has reportedly smoothed the transition and enabled Strasbourg to act quickly.

The 42-year-old coach has been unattached since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers in December 2024, after guiding the side to a 14th-place finish in the Premier League. Despite interest from multiple English clubs, O’Neil appears ready to embrace his first managerial role outside of England. Strasbourg, currently seventh in Ligue 1, offer an immediate opportunity for him to return to top-level management.

Rosenior, who took charge in July 2024, led Strasbourg into the UEFA Conference League before stepping down. The French club has previously sought managers with Premier League experience, such as former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, reflecting a preference for coaches with English football backgrounds.

O’Neil’s coaching journey began at Liverpool within the backroom staff before progressing to management with Bournemouth, where he initially served as caretaker following Scott Parker’s exit in August 2022. He later secured the role permanently, steering the Cherries to a 15th-place finish in the 2022–2023 Premier League season before being relieved of his duties in June 2023.

While talks of returning to Wolves were briefly entertained following Vitor Pereira’s dismissal, O’Neil has now withdrawn from consideration, reportedly feeling the role was not a suitable fit at present. Wolves continue their search for a new manager amid a challenging Premier League campaign, with candidates including Erik ten Hag, Rob Edwards, and Michael Carrick, while James Collins and Richard Walker handle first-team duties on an interim basis.

Sources indicate that discussions over the weekend resulted in a broad agreement for O’Neil to assume the Strasbourg role, with only final contractual details pending. If finalized, the move represents a significant step in O’Neil’s managerial career, taking him into European football management for the first time.

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