Argentinian coach Jorge Sampaoli has rejected an official offer from Brazilian club Santos to take over as head coach following Portuguese Pedro Caixinha, according to 'Sport' newspaper.

Despite Santos management offering Sampaoli an annual salary of up to 4 million euros, the Argentinian coach decided against taking on the challenge, preferring to wait for a coaching project in Europe or the Middle East.

According to reports, Sampaoli declined a return to Santos for sporting and planning reasons, notably the limited time available for preparations before a series of crucial matches, and the lack of clarity regarding new contract plans in the transfer market.

Sampaoli previously led Santos in the 2019 season, achieving impressive results by guiding the team to a second-place finish in the Brazilian league. He is also well-acquainted with Brazilian football after coaching Flamengo in 2023.

On the other hand, the club had reached out to prominent coaches like Tite and Dorival Junior, but both declined the position, putting Santos in a predicament as they search for a new coach to lead their rebuilding project.