Former Roma manager Jose Mourinho is poised to surprise the football community by accepting this position.
Jose Mourinho’s future in football has become the subject of intense speculation, with reports suggesting the Portuguese manager is in talks with Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab. His agent has hinted that the 60-year-old coach is weighing up the prospect of moving to the Saudi Pro League, a competition quickly building global recognition by attracting some of the biggest names in the game.
Saudi clubs have long pursued Mourinho, though he previously rejected their approaches. Just last summer, he turned down a lucrative offer, insisting on honoring his commitment to AS Roma and his players. This time, however, the scenario appears different. The allure of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football project seems to have caught his attention, and he is now more open to exploring opportunities in the region, even as he keeps an eye on potential offers from Europe.
Sports journalist Turki Alghamdi has fueled the speculation by revealing that Mourinho could be tempted to join Al-Shabab, but only if certain conditions are met. Chief among them is his demand that the club bring in high-profile players to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. This stipulation is consistent with Mourinho’s career-long tendency to work with star talent, and it may prove crucial in persuading him to take the job.
Despite these developments, Mourinho remains in demand in Europe. Clubs such as Napoli in Serie A and Newcastle United in the Premier League are reportedly considering him for their dugouts. Both would offer him the chance to continue managing in top-tier European football, a stage that still holds significant prestige and familiarity for him. With such options on the table, Mourinho’s next move will depend heavily on how well each proposal aligns with his ambitions.
If he does choose Saudi Arabia, it would represent a dramatic new chapter in his career. Although his time at Roma ended with dismissal, his legacy there is intact—most notably his achievement of guiding the club to its first European trophy in 14 years by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League. That success highlighted his enduring ability to inspire teams and deliver results, even in difficult circumstances.
As things stand, Mourinho faces a pivotal decision: embrace the challenge of helping shape Saudi Arabia’s emerging football landscape, or return to the familiar battleground of Europe’s elite leagues. Whichever path he takes, the choice will have a major impact not only on his career but also on the fortunes of the clubs hoping to secure his expertise.
