Carlos Carvalhal named Famalicão coach on one-year deal as Hugo Oliveira departs for Strasbourg
FC Famalicão announced on Sunday that Carlos Carvalhal has signed a one-season contract to become head coach, succeeding Hugo Oliveira, whose 4 million euro release clause was triggered by French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.
Oliveira's record-breaking exit
Hugo Oliveira left Famalicão after a historic 2025/26 campaign in which the club finished fifth in the Primeira Liga with a club-record 56 points, their best placing in 13 top-flight seasons. Despite the achievement, the team missed out on a first European qualification because Torreense beat Sporting in the Portuguese Cup final and claimed the extra continental berth. Oliveira, 47, was in charge for 58 matches, winning 25, drawing 16 and losing 17, after stepping up from his role as a goalkeeping coach at Benfica, Everton and Fulham.
É uma honra estar aqui em Estrasburgo e fazer parte de um projeto tão bonito, onde a história e a ambição se combinam na perfeição. Quero proporcionar emoções, criar memórias e dar o meu melhor para ajudar o clube a continuar a crescer. Vamos lá!!
The incoming coach
Carlos Carvalhal, 60, returns to Portuguese football after previous spells at clubs including Braga, Sporting, and Swansea City. His official presentation is scheduled for Monday at 12:15 local time at the club's training centre auditorium. The club statement highlighted his extensive domestic and international experience, entrusting him with the leadership of the first-team project.
Triggered clause and financial terms
The Strasbourg club exercised the termination clause in Oliveira's contract, which ran until 2028. Portuguese sports press reported the clause value at four million euros. Famalicão's SAD, led by president Miguel Ribeiro, thanked Oliveira and his staff for their commitment and professionalism.
- Portuguese press reports Strasbourg trigger release clause for Hugo Oliveira
- FC Famalicão confirm Oliveira's departure and announce Carlos Carvalhal as new head coach
- Carvalhal's official presentation at the club's training centre auditorium
Oliveira's Strasbourg start
Strasbourg described their new coach as "one of the most promising emerging coaches in European football," praising his attacking, possession-based style and ability to develop players. Oliveira replaces Englishman Gary O'Neil and joins compatriot Paulo Fonseca (Lyon) as Portuguese managers in Ligue 1. The length of his contract was not disclosed.
Carvalhal's immediate task
Carvalhal inherits a squad that recently signed Portuguese striker Diogo Sousa from Vitória de Guimarães and includes Portuguese-Belgian winger Diego Moreira. The club's last two seasons under Oliveira showed upward momentum; Carvalhal's challenge will be to push for a European place that narrowly eluded the team in 2025/26.
