Former Roma Coach Said to Have Reached Verbal Agreement with Saudi Club
Just days after being sacked by Roma, Jose Mourinho is reportedly on the verge of a swift return to management, with indications pointing toward a move to Al-Shabab. According to reports from Saudi Arabia, Mourinho has reached a verbal agreement to become the new manager of Al-Shabab.
The Portuguese coach was relieved of his duties by Roma earlier this week, following a disappointing performance that saw the team sitting ninth in Serie A. During his tenure at Roma, Mourinho had frequently expressed his interest in managing in the Saudi Pro League, even revealing that he had turned down a lucrative offer to remain at Roma.
In October, Mourinho disclosed, “During the holidays, I received the biggest and craziest offer a coach has ever received in the history of football. And I turned it down. I did so because I’d given my word to my players, I’d given my word to the fans and I’d given my word to the club owner.” The offer was reported to be a staggering £500,000-a-week deal to lead Al-Hilal, a position that is currently occupied by Jorge Jesus.
Now, Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat suggests that Mourinho is set to take over at Al-Shabab. The report outlines that Mourinho engaged in a Zoom meeting with Al-Shabab’s sporting director, Domenico Tite, on Thursday, where a verbal agreement was reached for him to assume the managerial role. If the deal is finalized, Mourinho is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia in the coming days.
It is further claimed that Mourinho has plans to make significant international signings during the summer transfer window. Al-Shabab currently occupies the 11th position in the Saudi Pro League and boasts players like former Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco and ex-Sevilla playmaker Ever Banega in their squad.
Following the dismissal of Igor Biscan last month, the club is currently without a manager. Mourinho had previously expressed his intention to manage in Saudi Arabia, stating, “I will go to Saudi Arabia in some free time, but I am convinced that I will work there. I don’t know when, but I am pretty sure of it.”
Additionally, Mourinho serves on the board of directors of Saudi Arabia’s Mahd Sports Academy, affirming his interest and involvement in the country’s football development. He emphasized, “Doors are always open for me in Saudi Arabia. I want to feel the development there.” Mourinho also highlighted the growing interest of players in joining Saudi football, attributing it to the significant competition in both the domestic league and the AFC Champions League.
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