Jose Mourinho has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia (Image: Getty)
Jose Mourinho has been out of work since being sacked by AS Roma in January, but a return to management looks firmly on the cards in Saudi Arabia. The ex-Chelsea boss reportedly recently held talks with Al Qadsiah, and the Middle Eastern outfit can take plenty of confidence from their target’s recent comments.
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is expected to be at the front and centre of the summer transfer window, with countless top players already being linked with moves away from Europe’s biggest divisions in favour of committing to the fresh project in Saudi Arabia.
However, big-name arrivals are also expected in the dugouts. Mourinho has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia over the past few years, with speculation being fuelled further when talkSPORT reported that the Portuguese boss had held talks with Al Qadsiah.
The newly-promoted side are keen to improve significantly this summer after earning promotion, and Mourinho is among their top targets. The ex-Manchester United boss has never shied away from speaking about a potential move to the SPL.
Speaking to MBC Egypt TV channel last year, Mourinho said: “I will go to Saudi Arabia in some free time, but I am convinced that I will work there.
Mourinho could face off against Steven Gerrard next season (Image: Getty)
"I don't know when, but I am pretty sure of it. No one knows the future, but I will definitely do this [working in Saudi Arabia]. Doors are always open for me in Saudi Arabia. I want to feel the development there.”
If Mourinho joins Al Qadsiah then he will be tasked with improving his side so that they can claim bragging rights over local rivals Al-Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
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Jose Mourinho has spoken about moving to Saudi Arabia previously (Image: Getty)
Mourinho and Gerrard have come face to face on numerous occasions over the years whilst the latter was a player, and their history – although not entirely tense – will only fuel the competitive rivalry between Al Qadsiah and Al-Ettifaq.
Saudi Pro League chief Michael Emenalo has spoken openly about how he is hopeful that famous faces, notably Mourinho, join him in the Middle East this summer. Asked about luring ‘The Special One’ to the SPL by The Telegraph, he said: “Jose is a brand in his own…Whether he’s ready to come or whether a club in our league is ready for him is something that needs to be determined.”
