This weekend, former Portuguese International Paulo Sousa was linked as a potential manager for the New York Red Bulls. At the time, he was preparing to serve out the final year of his three year deal with Hungarian side, Videoton FC.

Not anymore.

The club issued a press release this morning to announce the departure of their highly successful manager.

“It is with sadness that we have to announce, following our successful autumn season, which also included the continuous professional development of the team, that the management of Videoton FC and Paulo Sousa have broken up the current contract. Paulo Sousa has decided to leave our football club due to family reasons,” the statement read.

“The owner and management of Videoton FC would like to personally thank from the heart, Paulo Sousa, for all the hard work he carried out and the sacrifices made in the interest of the the team. The results of his work speak clearly for itself. Videoton FC were able to return to European football’s top flight as a result of his professional coaching, which we would like to thank to the maximum.”

Hungarian publication Nemzeti Sport swiftly linked the former QPR boss to the New York Red Bulls.

As we discussed this weekend, Sousa holds a checkered history as a head coach, but is coming off of his most successful run to date. As the club’s press release indicated, the Portuguese boss led them to a league title and two Super Cup victories.

Needless to say, Sousa, like most of the Red Bulls current brain trust, has little to no knowledge of the convoluted MLS system. Claudio Reyna continues to be a top candidate for the assistant’s position alongside current interim coach Mike Petke and a staff that could include yet another assistant and a goalkeeping coach. The American heavy staff is expected to provide a guiding hand to the new regime.

The Red Bulls have been without a manager since November 9th when the club officially announced the departure of Hans Backe.