​It appeared to be shaping up as a straight two-horse race for the managerial vacancy at RC Strasbourg Alsace. Yet, as first reported by A Bola and subsequently confirmed by L’Équipe, a third candidate has come into the mix. Gary O’Neil’s exit to Ipswich Town has left Le Racing needing to explore the managerial market once more in 2026, their third time doing so this year. Among the early contenders, former Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy had been widely seen as a leading option, with discussions also taking place with Kjetil Knutsen of Bodo/Glimt. According to L’Équipe, Knutsen’s name could be out of the running, though there was no certainty that Nancy would automatically secure the role either.
A Bola has now put Hugo Oliveira at the forefront of Strasbourg’s shortlist. The 47-year-old, who previously served as an assistant to Marco Silva at Fulham, Everton, Watford, and Hull City, is currently in charge of Portuguese side Famalicão. He guided them to a fifth-place finish in the Primeira Liga last season, and a transfer worth around €4 million is reportedly on the horizon as part of the potential deal.
Oliveira’s candidacy represents a shift from the earlier narrative that emphasized Nancy or Knutsen, suggesting that Strasbourg’s search committee is weighing a broader spectrum of profiles. Oliveira’s background as an assistant to Marco Silva in multiple Premier League and Championship environments could appeal to the club for his experience within diverse coaching setups and his track record in developing teams within competitive leagues. At Famalicão, he has demonstrated the ability to organize a squad effectively and achieve notable league placement, elements that Strasbourg may find attractive as they seek stability and clear tactical direction.
As this process unfolds, Strasbourg fans and observers alike will be watching closely for any official confirmation or further leaks that shed light on the club’s next steps. The decision could hinge on Oliveira’s willingness to relocate, the terms of any proposed project at the club, and how Strasbourg weighs his comparative advantages against the more established names previously linked to the role. With a €4m potential transfer involved, the financial aspect will also play a significant role in determining whether Oliveira becomes the new manager or whether Strasbourg pivots back to other reported candidates. The coming days are likely to bring further clarity as negotiations advance and the club aims to announce its appointment in a timely manner.