Carlos Carvalhal is leaving Rio Ave

Just hours after leading Rio Ave to 5th in the Primeira Liga, earning his side an unlikely Europa League spot, it has been confirmed that manager Carlos Carvalhal is leaving the club.

The club president, Antonio Silva Campos, confirmed that Carvalhal, who this campaign led Rio Ave to their largest ever points total across a single top flight season (55 points), will not be in charge next season.

Campos said: “Carlos Carvalhal will not continue with Rio Ave, much to my regret. I knew it was difficult to keep him here, but Carlos is a great coach for a big club.”

Carvalhal, who saw his side reach the group stage of the Europa League by defeating Boavista on their final day of the season, has been linked with a move to Flamengo to take over from Jorge Jesus, who has recently been appointed as the new Benfica manager.

However, he is a manager that is in high demand, and has received offers from clubs in both England and Portugal, as well as Brazil, with Braga one possible destination for the 55-year old coach, while many Championship clubs will also have an eye on Carvalhal for next season.

Previously, Carvalhal has made it clear that managing in England again is one of his aspirations.