Patrick Vieira closes in on his first Premier League managerial job

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira is close to bagging his first managerial role in the Premier League at Crystal Palace.

Patrick Vieira has reportedly reached an agreement ‘in principle’ to become the next Crystal Palace manager.

The 45-year-old has been without a job since leaving Ligue 1 club Nice in December 2020 following a two-and-a-half-year spell. He had previously coached New York City in the MLS between 2016 and 2018.

But The Athletic has now reported that Crystal Palace are set to appoint Vieira as Roy Hodgson’s successor. The club and the former Arsenal captain have reached a verbal agreement. Nothing is set in stone yet, though, as no contract has been signed at this stage.

Patrick Viera managerial career:

NYC 🇺🇸- 44% win ratio, +14 GD

Nice 🇫🇷- 39% win ratio, -9 GD

Position finishes:

🇺🇸 – 4th
🇺🇸- 2nd
🇺🇸 – 7th (Sacked)

🇫🇷- 7th
🇫🇷- 5th #CPFC

— Crystal Palace 🦅 (@CpfcNews_) June 29, 2021

It’s understood Vieira has commenced the process to apply for a visa in hope of being ready to attend the first day of Palace’s pre-season training on Monday.

Should things go to plan, Palace’s long search for a new manager will finally end. The Eagles have been linked with several coaches since Hodgson announced his decision to step down as manager in May, but they’ve had little success up to this point.

Among the names that were in contention were Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche, Steve Cooper, Scott Parker, and Nuno Espirito Santo. Lucien Favre came close to taking the job on a three-year deal, but he ultimately pulled out.