Jose Mourinho in shock talks with richest man in China about taking over at CSL club Guangzhou Evergrande and the Chinese national team
JOSE MOURINHO has held shock talks with the richest man in China about taking over at CSL club Guangzhou Evergrande and the Chinese national team.
Pictures obtained by talkSPORT have emerged of Mourinho meeting Hui Ka Yan – the most influential figure in Chinese football – to discuss an incredible return to management.
Mr Hui is the chairman of Evergrande Group, which finances Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande, and is committed to bringing the best names in football to the Far East.
The billionaire real estate developer is said to have a strong ambition to inspire China to reach the World Cup and perform with honour.
And he recently held positive discussions with former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Mourinho, before holding further talks with intermediaries.
It is not yet clear if Mourinho will take a club job or the national team role, with both opportunities on the table.
The signing of Mourinho – one of the most successful managers of all time – will be among the biggest in world football and demonstrate China’s ambition to be a force in the game.
Other leading coaches, including Fabio Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson, have managed in China.
MOUR BIG NAMES
While Rafa Benitez recently took charge of Dalian Yifang, the arrival of Mourinho would be the greatest capture yet.
Mourinho has been out of management since leaving Manchester United in December 2018.
He endured a disappointing spell at Old Trafford but boasts an incredible record, having won 26 major honours over the course of his 19-year managerial career.
Earlier today, reports claimed Mourinho was edging towards a move to Italy’s Serie A.
The Special One had told Sky Sports Italia: “In the future? Always soccer, and always a high level. Italy? Could be a possibility.”
The Portuguese chief had already made it clear he planned to be employed once more by July – and we’re nearly a week in already.
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In May, Mourinho claimed: “I have a lot of qualities and one of them is to respect other clubs and their management.
“I have never spoken like ‘this club wanted me, they contacted me’.
“When I left Manchester United in December, I immediately took the decision I want to work from summer.
“I hope to be back to work in July in a project I really like.”