Jose Mourinho is the preferred replacement for Nuno Espirito Santo at Saudi champions Al-Ittihad, and he has been inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Jose Mourinho has surfaced as a possibility for the permanent Al-Ittihad manager, and the Roma manager has previously stated that Cristiano Ronaldo influenced his decision to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Mourinho, the manager of Roma, claims to have received the “biggest and craziest offer” in managing history, which apparently came from Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal, where Neymar plays. However, Al-Ittihad, the reigning Saudi champions, have a vacancy following Nuno’s resignation.
After winning the Saudi Super Cup, the club’s veteran Portuguese manager led them to their first league title in 14 years in May. This was followed by a slew of superstars joining the club as part of a well-funded recruitment push.
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The high-profile arrivals at the Jeddah club included Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho, but things have not gone as planned this season, with the club languishing in sixth place. They are 11 points behind league leaders Al-Hilal after 12 rounds of play and parted ways with Nuno on Tuesday.
Former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui is reportedly being considered for a position, despite his desire to stay in England. Meanwhile, Mourinho, although more receptive to a move, might have to delay any transition until the summer due to the ongoing season with Roma.
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Mourinho has expressed interest in managing in Saudi Arabia. Despite achieving success at Roma by securing the Europa Conference League in his first season and reaching the Europa League final in the second, his unsatisfactory domestic performance has raised doubts about his future in Rome.
Ronaldo’s move to Riyadh, following his departure from Manchester United, marked the beginning of several European stars relocating to Saudi Arabia in the summer. Mourinho, who recently joined the board of directors of Saudi Arabia’s Mahd Sports Academy, credits Ronaldo for inspiring his potential move to the Middle East.
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