Former Sunderland boss Michael Beale is reportedly closing in on a surprise return to management in Europe
Former Sunderland head coach Michael Beale is reportedly closing in on a return to management more than two years after his short-lived spell on Wearside.
Beale has been out of a senior managerial role since leaving Sunderland in February 2024, with his time at the Stadium of Light lasting just 63 days. The 45-year-old later had a brief spell working under Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, but has not held a permanent head coach position since his difficult spell with the Black Cats.
That could now be about to change, with reports in Belgium claiming former Liverpool and Chelsea coach Beale is in advanced talks to take charge of Zulte Waregem. According to Nieuwsblad, the Belgian top-flight club are moving towards an agreement with the former Rangers boss as they plan for next season.
Zulte Waregem recently secured their top-flight status after finishing top of their relegation play-off group under interim boss Steve Colpaert. He had taken temporary charge following the departure of Sven Vandenbroeck in March, but the club are now looking for a permanent appointment.
Beale’s last full-time role ended badly at Sunderland. He was appointed in December 2023 following the departure of Tony Mowbray, but his reign never really got going, and he left after only 12 games in charge. The decision proved hugely unpopular with supporters from the outset, and Sunderland eventually moved on, later appointing Régis Le Bris.
Before his Sunderland spell, Beale had managed Rangers after previously working at Ibrox as part of Gerrard’s coaching staff. He helped Rangers win the Scottish Premiership title unbeaten in 2020-21 before following Gerrard to Aston Villa.
Beale then took his first managerial role at Queens Park Rangers in 2022, but left Loftus Road after just a few months to return to Rangers as manager. His spell in charge at Ibrox was also cut short following a difficult start to the 2023-24 campaign, with a home defeat to Aberdeen proving decisive.
Speaking to Sky Sports recently, Beale made clear he was keen to return to management. He said: “I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t missing the day-to-day coaching. I’ve got a lot of ambition there. It’s important to remain confident, keep watching, keep learning, keep listening and keep growing. And the right opportunity will come when it presents itself.”
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