CORNERFLICK
The Netherlands have opened talks with Roberto Martínez as they search for a new head coach, with negotiations now said to be at a serious stage.
Martínez emerges as leading candidate
De Telegraaf reports that the Dutch federation has contacted the Spanish coach and is considering him for the national team job. Martínez is currently out of work, which has made discussions easier.
The Netherlands are looking for a successor to Ronald Koeman after the 2026 World Cup. The move to speak to a foreign coach suggests the federation is willing to look beyond its usual domestic pool.
National team experience on both sides
Martínez previously led Belgium to third place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He later took charge of Portugal and won the Nations League with them before leaving after the team’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.