French coach Patrice Carteron has agreed to take charge of Saudi Arabia's Al-Taawoun after abruptly leaving Cairo giants Zamalek, his new club announced on Wednesday.

Carteron dropped a bombshell by rescinding his Zamalek contract and paying a $250,000 release clause on Tuesday, just one month before the team's mouthwatering two-legged clash against Morocco's Raja in the African Champions League semis.

"The club's administration has reached a preliminary agreement with Carteron to take charge of the team for the next two seasons. The contract will be signed by the two parties upon the coach's arrival in Qatar," Al-Taawoun said in a statement.

Al-Taawoun had a disappointing Saudi league campaign last season, narrowly escaping relegation after finishing 12^th in the 16-team table with 35 points, just three above the drop zone.

Carteron was appointed as Zamalek's boss in December last year, leading them to the Egyptian and African Super Cup titles and helping them reach the Champions League semi-final for the first time in four years.

His departure caused shockwaves among Zamalek's faithful, with the club embarking on a frantic search for a new coach to rescue their African campaign.

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