Jose Mourinho sounds out next job as meeting with Newcastle owner ‘explained’ amid Chelsea links

Some of Saudi Arabia’s highest-ranking officials are said to have discussed with the former Chelsea manager the possibility of relocating there.

Jose Mourinho was in Saudi Arabia at the weekend (Image: Kym Illman/Getty Images)

The owner of Newcastle United, Yasser Al-Rumayyan, was spotted meeting with Jose Mourinho last weekend while he was enjoying the Formula One Saudi Grand Prix in Jeddah.

The 61-year-old, who was fired by Roma in January, is still without a job despite having been connected to several roles. Soon after his dismissal, there was speculation about Newcastle, and Al-Shabaab, a Saudi team, are believed to have failed with their approach.

The Saudi national team, Al-Hilal, and the Serie A team Napoli have all been included in the speculation. However, there have also been rumors that “The Special One” will make an incredible comeback to Stamford Bridge. In light of the team’s difficulties this season, Mauricio Pochettino is under intense scrutiny.

More questions have been raised by his recent conversation with the head of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Al-Rumayyan. Journalist Ben Jacobs asserts in Caught Offside that Mourinho’s trip was primarily made for “due diligence” and relationship building.

The former manager of Chelsea is rumored to have discussed a possible move to the Gulf state with Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of the Saudi Entertainment Authority, who is also in charge of organizing the country’s recent big boxing matches.

Additionally, Mourinho is rumored to have met with Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, the sports minister, and Saudi FA president Yasser Al-Misehal. Al Faisal wants Mourinho to be a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 project in advance of the country hosting the World Cup.

The Portuguese manager has expressed his desire to return to work as soon as possible and his dream of working in Saudi Arabia. “I’m not in a rest, I want to work,” Mourinho stated in a weekend interview with beIN Sports. I just don’t want to make the incorrect choice because I want to work.

“I have to bide my time until I find the one who inspires me. However, I would work tomorrow if I could.” Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Alhi, and Al-Ittihad are the four domestic teams owned by the Saudi Pro League. Rumor has it that league officials want Mourinho to manage any of these teams.