The wealthy Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal (not the one with Ronaldo) have put the spotlight on Marco Silva and Nuno Espirito Santo as they try to secure a new manager before the Club World Cup.
The legendary José Mourinho is another big name being considered by the Saudi Arabian club. But Al Hilal has yet to make official contact with the three-time Premier League winner.
Read: Manchester United have growing fears that Ruben Amorim could resign
Other names that were discussed internally include former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi and Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti. – Ancelotti, who was offered €50 million a year, was tempted for a few days, before again deciding that his next stop would be Brazil.
With the Club World Cup starting on June 15, Al Hilal is keen to carry out a quick replacement process. It is understood that the club will draw up a two-man shortlist before sending a formal offer by mid-May.
Al Hilal are looking for a new manager after Jorge Jesus was sacked following a 3-1 defeat to Saudi side Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-finals. The 70-year-old wrote an emotional message of gratitude on Instagram after the dismissal:
“It has been two years of total dedication, historic achievements, and immense pride in leading an exceptional group,” Jesus wrote.
After saving Nottingham Forest from relegation last season, the club is now on its way to European Cup play for the first time in 30 years.
Forest are in seventh place in the Premier League with 65 points after winning today’s game against West Ham at the London Stadium 1 – 2.
Nuno already has experience in Saudi Arabia after a 56-game spell as manager of Al-Ittihad from July 2022 to November 2023, where he led the club to its first league championship in 14 years.
Silva, on the other hand, has stabilised Fulham as a Premier League team after a series of promotions from the Championship and immediate relegation.
The 47-year-old’s impressive work at Craven Cottage has not gone unnoticed and he is linked with a move to Tottenham if Ange Postecoglou leaves the club.
As for Mourinho, who is now the manager of Turkish side Fenerbahçe, it is far from the first time he has been linked with a Saudi Arabian club.
– The Special One – was attempted by Al-Qadsiah in May last year, and there were also strong rumours that he was offered an astronomical sum to become Saudi Arabia’s national team coach.
Mourinho will undoubtedly attract attention and generate interest, given his status in the football world with 26 major trophies, including two Champions League titles.
Read on Popidol: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake comes with a promising update
