- Mourinho was fired by Roma on Tuesday after two years at the Serie A club
- The 60-year-old could soon return to management in Saudi Arabia
- Football is changing… managers cannot rely on their reputations. Just look at the Golden Generation – It all starts
Jose Mourinho has reportedly entered into talks with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab just days after being sacked by Roma.
Mourinho was sacked by Roma on Tuesday with the club languishing in ninth place in Serie A after a disappointing season.
The 60-year-old had spent two and a half years at the club, which he led to its first Europa Conference League title in 2022.
According to ESPNMourinho is already in talks over a move to Saudi Arabia, with the Portuguese coach holding talks with Al-Shabab sporting director Domenico Tite.
Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes is said to be negotiating with the team about his arrival.
Jose Mourinho has reportedly started talks to take over Saudi Pro League team Al Shabab
Roma said goodbye to the 60-year-old head coach and his technical staff on Tuesday
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Remarkably, Mourinho could face his former side in his first match if he agrees to take charge, with Al-Shabab hosting Roma in a friendly next Wednesday.
Al Shabab is currently managed by former Liverpool midfielder Igor Biscan, who took over as manager in October.
Mourinho would be the third permanent manager of the season, with Dutch coach Marcel Keizer leading the side at the start of the season.
The Riyadh-based club made significant investments in the summer, with the likes of Yannick Carrasco and Habib Diallo.
The squad also includes experienced former Argentinian midfielder Ever Banega.
Al Shabab currently sit 11th in the Saudi Pro League after five wins from 19 games, despite finishing fourth last season.
In November, Mourinho claimed he would definitely work in Saudi Arabia in the future.
‘I go to Saudi Arabia in my spare time, but I am convinced that I will work there. I don’t know when, but I’m pretty sure,” Mourinho said.
Mourinho spent just over two and a half years in the role, winning the Europa Conference League title in 2022, before leading his side to the Europa League final in 2023.
‘I am committed to my work at Roma and want to give everything to the club until the last day.
‘No one knows the future, but I will definitely do this (working in Saudi Arabia).’
Mourinho had previously said he had turned down a huge offer from Saudi Arabia to stay at Roma for a third season.
It followed Mourinho leading the team to win the Conference League and reach the UEFA Europa League final.
ESPN reported that Mourinho has still received early interest from clubs in Europe for his services, and so could still choose not to move to Saudi Arabia.