Forward-planning Jose Mourinho held talks with a Saudi club well before his Roma sacking as intrigue grows over the former Manchester United boss' next destination
Jose Mourinho has reportedly held talks about managing in Saudi Arabia (Image: Agostino Gemito/IPA Sport/ipa-agency.net/REX/Shutterstock)
Jose Mourinho held surprise talks with a second-tier Saudi side well before his Roma sacking, it has emerged.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss, who led Roma to the Europa League final last season, left the club earlier this month after two and a half years at the helm. But it seems the Portuguese was making plans for his next job as early as last summer.
The Mirror reports that Mourinho was in discussions with Al-Qadsiah, who play in the Saudi First Division League. where Robbie Fowler was at the helm for the first four months of the season. The Liverpool icon was replaced despite not losing a league game and was replaced by former Sevilla and Marseille boss Michel.
However, it seems the Spaniard, 60, has only been keeping the seat warm for Mourinho, who reportedly has an agreement to take charge provided Al-Qadsiah are promoted to the money-laden Saudi Pro League.
Mourinho, 60, had already planned to leave Roma at the end of this season, but his earlier-than-expected departure may open up other opportunities. Al-Qadsiah are said to be reluctant to jettison Mourinho in ahead of schedule for fear of unsettling their promotion challenge.
Another option for the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss could lie back in Italy with Napoli as current boss Walter Mazzarri is under pressure, despite only taking charge in November.
Back in the Premier League, Newcastle is a job that would certainly appeal to Mourinho given the club’s Saudi backing. However, those links appear to have cooled with the Magpies’ hierarchy still having full faith in Eddie Howe despite a mixed season.
For Al-Qadsiah, it appears to be a case of whether to bring forward their summer plans or risk losing Mourinho to another club or interested international side.
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