Strasbourg’s €2m gamble: Hugo Oliveira hired to replace O’Neil

Strasbourg must replace Gary O’Neil after his move to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town, leaving the French side without a manager ahead of their Ligue 1 opener against Marseille. To fill the gap, the club have secured Portuguese coach Hugo Oliveira, paying €2 million to Famalicão for his release.

O’Neil’s defection to promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town FC left Strasbourg manager‑less just weeks before the opening Ligue 1 fixture with Marseille. The club moved quickly, turning to a new appointment to avoid a leadership void.

Strasbourg have agreed to a €2 million compensation payment to Famalicão to release Oliveira from his contract. L’Equipe reported that the Portuguese will succeed Gary O’Neil in the dugout.

Oliveira, 47, previously served as Marco Silva’s assistant at Hull City FC, Watford, Everton and Fulham FC. He was also competing with former Celtic FC head coach Wilfried Nancy for the Strasbourg job.

The Portuguese is expected to land in France on Sunday to sign his contract. His first training session is scheduled for the following Monday.

The €2 million fee reflects Famalicão’s recent fifth‑place finish under Oliveira’s guidance. For Oliveira, the appointment marks his first senior head‑coach role away from the assistant positions he held in England.

Bastien Cheval of GFFN noted the appointment as a significant shift for both clubs.