José Mourinho is reportedly in discussions to assume managerial responsibilities at Saudi Pro League team Al Shabab FC, following his dismissal from Roma, according to a source informed by ESPN.
Mourinho, who spent more than 2½ years with Roma, is already engaged in talks with Al Shabab’s sporting director, Domenico Tite, while his agent, Jorge Mendes, negotiates with the club.
Despite early interest from some European clubs, there remains a possibility that Mourinho may choose not to move to Saudi Arabia.
Currently, Al Shabab occupies the 11th position in the Saudi Pro League and is actively seeking a replacement for beleaguered manager Igor Biscan, who has seen the team secure only five wins in 19 league games this season.
The squad boasts notable names such as former Atlético Madrid star Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, Éver Banega, Romain Saïss, Habib Diallo, and several Saudi Arabian internationals.
Mourinho, who has expressed his openness to working in the Gulf state, previously mentioned in October that he was “convinced” he would eventually work there.
He also revealed that he turned down a lucrative offer from a Saudi team while still the coach of Roma.
If the negotiations with Al Shabab progress swiftly, Mourinho’s debut game as manager could potentially be a friendly against Roma on Wednesday in Riyadh.
This move would make Mourinho the third client of Jorge Mendes in the Saudi Pro League, joining Jorge Jesus at Al Hilal and Luis Castro at Al Nassr.