Jose Mourinho future: AS Roma boss to reject big-money Saudi Arabia offer to stay in Eternal City
AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho has turned down a potentially lucrative contract offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli in order to commit to the Europa League finalists for at least one more season.
According to Sky Sport Italia, and as reported by Sportface.it, Mourinho met with Al-Ahli president Waleed Muath in London and received a proposal to take over the Jeddah-based club this summer, which would see him leave Roma a year ahead of the end of his contract that runs until 2024.
However, the former Inter, Chelsea, and Real Madrid coach rejected the offer and made clear his intentions to remain in Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico next season.
Saudi project targets Mourinho
Mourinho has been courted by Al-Ahli for some time and the Saudi Professional League champions have made a concerted effort to convince the Portuguese tactician to make the switch.
It would be the latest in a host of high-profile arrivals in Saudi Arabia, with ex-Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo joined in recent weeks by Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, with the former signing for Al-Nassr in January and the latter joining Al-Ittihad in June.
Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante and Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez have also been targeted by Saudi clubs, and Mourinho is a key managerial target as the league looks to increase its profile by offering huge wages to world stars.
Mourinho retains Roma support
Having taken the helm at Roma to much fanfare in 2021, Mourinho has made a significant impact in the Italian capital, leading the club to the inaugural Europa Conference League last year and the Europa League final this term.
A hugely popular figure at the Stadio Olimpico, the ex-Manchester United coach has thrilled supporters with his profile and combative approach.
Mourinho has one year remaining on the contract signed in 2021 and his future at Roma had been far from certain prior to the approach from Al-Ahli.