MARCELO GALLARDO is set to receive the most expensive severance package in football history after just seven months as Al-Ittihad manager.

Gallardo, 48, took over at the Saudi Arabian club's dugout only last November when he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo, who then moved to Nottingham Forest.

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However, the Argentinean tactician failed to steady the ship while in charge of the then Saudi champions, who finished fifth in the table.

The ex-River Plate manager lost 14 out of all of his 33 matches, of which he won 15.

That is despite having star players like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho and Jota in his squad.

Al-Ittihad only scored 56 goals and conceded a whopping 59 under his watch.

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The former Paris Saint-Germain star also fell out with Benzema, whom he ordered to train alone after returning late from a holiday.

According to local publication Ariyadhiah, Gallardo is now set to receive a staggering €30MILLION (£25m) payoff from Al-Ittihad.

The Argentine is pushing for that sum, which is stipulated in his contract that runs until 2025.

Al-Ittihad chiefs have tried to reach an agreement to terminate the Monaco hero's contract but he won't waive any compensation.

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The Saudis are already searching for Gallardo's replacement ahead of next season.

And sporting director Ramon Planes is working "against the clock" trying to find the next head coach.

Al-Ittihad's turbulent campaign saw them finishing 42 points behind champions Al-Hilal.

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