Jose Mourinho spotted arriving in Barcelona as rumours grow about managerial return

Posted Tuesday, January 23, 2024 by Dailystar.co.uk

Speculation over Jose Mourinho's next job is cranking up after he arrived in Barcelona as well as reportedly lining up talking with Italian champions Napoli

Jose Mourinho spotted arriving in Barcelona as rumours grow about managerial return
Jose Mourinho could be in a new job soon after being sacked by Roma (Image: Agostino Gemito/IPA Sport/ipa-agency.net/REX/Shutterstock)

Jose Mourinho has been spotted arriving in Barcelona as speculation over his next job intensifies.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea boss was sacked by Roma last week after two-and-a-half years at the Stadio Olympico. However, it seems Mourinho won’t be out of work for long as he has already been linked with a host of jobs.

One obvious opportunity is in the money-laden Saudi Pro League. The 60-year-old has reportedly held “positive talks’ with Al-Shabab, only to reject a move to the Middle East for now.

Despite his latest sacking, Mourinho has been linked with numerous jobs in Europe, including Newcastle, Barcelona and Napoli. Saudi-backed Newcastle could turn to Mourinho as they look to become regular trophy-winners. Serie A champions Napoli could soon be looking for another boss as they languish down in ninth, with incumbent, former Watford boss Walter Mazzarri, already under pressure despite only being appointed in November.

According to The Times, Mourinho is set for talks with the Naples club, who are currently in Saudi Arabia for Italian Super Cup. After beating Fiorentina in the semi-finals, they face Inter Milan in the final on Monday night.

Jose Mourinho spotted arriving in Barcelona as rumours grow about managerial return
Jose Mourinho arriving at Barcelona airport days after his Roma sacking (Image: @elchiringuitotv)

In Spain, Barcelona are another club who could soon be looking for a change with the Catalans only fourth in La Liga and in danger of missing out on a Champions League place under Xavi. Mourinho has links with Barca having been on the coaching staff under Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal in the late 1990s.

Despite subsequently having a tense relationship with the club and managing bitter rivals Real Madrid, Mourinho still has ties to the city and has been seen at Barcelona airport. He was spotted by local media coming through arrivals wearing a baseball cap.

He was asked about his future and the prospect of replacing Xavi, but declined to answer. With a move to Saudi being ruled out for now, Napoli are the new bookies’ favourites to be Mourinho’s next club, with Barca next followed by Chelsea and Newcastle.