Jose Mourinho has reportedly been offered more than £100million to coach Saudi Arabia in a two-year deal which would make him the highest paid manager ever.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr are also said to be interested in Mourinho with current manager Rudi Garcia likely to leave at the end of season.
The Portuguese, 60, joined Roma in 2021 and his current contract runs with the Serie A giants until 2024.
However, there have been disputes over transfers and frustrations at Roma’s performances this season.
With his future still up in the air at the Italian club, Mourinho has now been directly approached by ‘top management’ to head the Saudi Arabia national team.
Saudi Arabia produced one of the World Cup’s biggest ever shocks when they beat Argentina
According to Corriere dello Sport, the deal includes £52 (€60m) each year and two options for Mourinho.
He would be able to tear up the contract at the end of the first season or extend it until 2026 – the year of the North American World Cup.
The Italian press also reported that Mourinho could follow Ronaldo, who has impressed since moving to the Saudi Pro League in January, to Al-Nassr.
The Portuguese forward worked under his compatriot at the Bernabeu for three seasons between 2010 and 2013, winning the LaLiga title and the Copa del Rey.
Roma have struggled to cement their place in the league’s Champions League places and currently sit fifth in the league.
Mourinho has enjoyed a strong relationship with the club’s supporters but appears unable to convince Roma’s owners that he is deserving of a new deal with no new offer currently on the table, according to Get Football Italy.
He has reportedly demanded at least three new players, a striker, midfielder, and defender, be brought in during the summer transfer window if he is to stay in charge.
The Italian press also reported that Mourinho could follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr
Mourinho wants to sort out his future during the current season, not at the end of Roma’s ongoing campaign, and is apparently keen to meet with the clubs owners the Friedkins.
The former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham manager could show himself to the exit door if his demands aren’t met by the club.
That could pave the way for Mourinho to manage Saudi Arabia, who beat Argentina during the World Cup in Qatar last year.
It comes after Mourinho stepped in following racist chants from his team’s fans towards Sampdoria manager Dejan Stankovic during a 3-0 victory.
Stankovic was frustrated at Sampdoria being reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Jeison Murillo when the sides were level at 0-0.
Some Roma fans responded by referencing Stankovic’s Serbian heritage.
However, Mourinho was quick to tell the Roma ultras to stop the chants as he protected Stankovic, who played under him at Inter Milan.
