Reports suggest that Jose Mourinho, current coach of Serie A club Roma, may become the highest-paid manager ever if he accepts a two-year deal worth more than £100 million to coach the Saudi Arabia national team.
The Portuguese coach’s current contract with Roma runs until 2024 but disputes over transfers and frustrations over the club’s performances this season have left his future uncertain.
He has been directly approached by Saudi Arabia’s “top management” for the job and the deal could be worth up to €60 million each year with the option for Mourinho to terminate the contract at the end of the first year or extend it until 2026.
Mourinho is said to have demanded that Roma bring in at least three new players during the summer transfer window if he is to stay in charge but with no new offer currently on the table, he is reportedly keen to sort out his future during the current season and meet with the club’s owners. If his demands are not met, he could show himself to the exit door and take up the Saudi Arabia offer.
This move follows an incident where Mourinho stepped in to stop racist chants by Roma fans towards Sampdoria manager Dejan Stankovic during a match earlier this year. Mourinho has a strong relationship with Roma’s supporters but he appears unable to convince the club’s owners that he is deserving of a new deal.
Roma currently sits fifth in the Serie A league and are struggling to cement its place in next season’s Champions League.
