A manager recently linked with Sunderland is now being eyed up by a club set to play in the Europa League next season.
Sunderland are still on the lookout for their next manager, with the Black Cats rapidly approaching the four-month mark since they parted ways with Michael Beale.
Long-term target Will Still appears to be in the middle of a tug-of-war between Sunderland and RC Lens, apparently backtracking on a move to the latter after agreeing terms with the Black Cats.
Elsewhere, a new name is in the running to become the next Sunderland manager; former AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen.
The London-born coach is out-of-work and said to be of serious interest to Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Jansen appears to be a favoured name among Sunderland supporters, too. But the Black Cats may yet be dealt another cruel blow in their managerial pursuit, with a Europa League outfit now considering Jansen.
Panathinaikos considering move for Sunderland manager target Pascal Jansen
Greek giants Panathinaikos finished in 3rd place of the Greek Super League last season, landing themselves in the qualification phase of next season’s Europa League competition.
The club are without a manager right now but hopeful of appointing former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, despite claims that he’s already rejected the club.
An emerging report from Greek outlet Sportime says that Panathinaikos are simply waiting on an answer from Sarri, but considering other options in case a move falls through.
Another former Premier League boss, Rafa Benitez, is also liked, along with Jansen following his impressive four-year spell with AZ Alkmaar.
Jansen’s AZ finished consistently in the top five of the Eredivisie before he left in January 2024.
Can Sunderland land Pascal Jansen as their next manager
Whether or not Jansen views the Championship as a step down from the Eredivisie remains to be seen.
He’ll be going from the top-end of the Dutch top flight to a team that finished just six points above the Championship relegation zone last season.
So in that sense, it may be a drop down in standard, if not then something of a sideways step, but for coaches in Europe, chances in England don’t come around often.
A lot of coaches try their hand in the Championship and are suddenly the subject of Premier League interest, so it could be a risk well worth taking for Jansen.
But emerging interest from another European top flight, and a huge club like Panathinaikos who can offer European football next season will also be very tempting.
There’s certainly options for Jansen this summer and Louis-Dreyfus may need to put his proposal forward soon.
But he may still be waiting on Still, who’s still undecided about his next move, or so it seems.