27 January 2024 , 20:30
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Jose Mourinho had been in discussions to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah in the summer before being sacked by Roma.
Robbie Fowler was in charge of the Saudi First Division League side (the league below the cash rich Saudi Pro League) for the first four months of the season before being axed despite not having lost a league game. He was replaced by former Sevilla and Marseille boss Michel and they are currently top.
But the Spaniard has only been keeping the seat warm for Mourinho who had a tacit agreement with the ambitious Saudi club that he would consider joining them providing they gained promotion to the Saudi Pro League.
Mourinho was always going to leave Roma at the end of the season but his sacking earlier in the month has opened the door to approaches from other interested parties with Al-Qadsiah not wanting to change things right in the midst of a strong promotion push.
Napoli are considering replacing under pressure Walter Mazzarri with Mourinho while another Saudi side Al-Shabab made an approach which was rebuffed.
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But his suitors don’t include Newcastle United despite the Portuguese virtually sending a come and get me message to the Saudi owners with his tales of Sir Bobby Robson’s love for the club. Mourinho was Robson’s interpreter in the former England manager’s early days as Barcelona boss.
Eddie Howe retains their 100 per cent backing despite enduring a rocky spell. For Mourinho and Al-Qadsiah it’s now a case of whether to bring forward their summer plans or risk losing the 60-year-old to another club or interested international side.