There have been constant rumours regarding the future AS Roma’s head coach Jose Mourinho over the last few weeks, with Paris Saint-Germain rumoured to be circling the self-proclaimed ‘special one’.
The Giallorossi’s time with Mourinho has been mixed in the sense that they have won a European trophy, but the team is not attractive and could still miss out on the Champions League if they do not win the Europa League final against Sevilla.
Nonetheless, there is no suggestion from Roma’s side that they would be happy to see Mourinho leave in the summer and the fans certainly want him to stay. Their early movement in the transfer window could be a sign that they are trying to send Mourinho a message.
Jose Mourinho’s potential departure
If recent reports from around Europe are to be believed, PSG have made contact with Jose Mourinho’s super agent Jorge Mendes over potentially taking over in the French Capital. The sporting director, Luis Campos believes that Mourinho will bring much-needed discipline to their star-studded side.
The former Real Madrid and Inter boss has one year left on his contract in Rome. He guided the Giallorossi to the European Conference League last season, their first European success since 1961.
The future of Mourinho could be decided on whether he can take Roma back into the Champions League, which they haven’t done since 2019. Currently sitting sixth in Serie A and four points behind AC Milan in fourth, qualification through the league looks almost impossible.
Winning the Europa League is their best chance to get back involved with Europe’s elite and Mourinho’s successful 5-0 record in European finals suggests they could well do it. They are up against Europa League specialists Sevilla, though.
Two potential early deals for AS Roma to appease Mourinho
AS Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto and the club owners seem to be attempting to move early in the transfer market. According to Goal.com, much sought-after central defender Evan Ndicka has agreed a four-year contract with Roma. His contract with Eintracht Frankfurt expires at the end of the season.
The potential signing comes alongside a report from Sky Italia (via Get Football News) suggesting that Lyon’s 24-year-old talented attacking midfielder Houssem Aouar has also agreed to join the Italian side at the end of his Lyon contract this summer.
23-year-old Ndicka came through the youth ranks at French club Auxerre. Making his debut at just 17 in 2017, he became a mainstay in their side in 2018. After just one season, German side Eintracht Frankfurt signed the young Frenchman for a reported fee of €5.5 million.
Despite only being 19, he became a regular at the heart of the German side’s defence, lifting the Europa League last season after beating Rangers in the final. He is an imposing figure who is strong in the air and his pace is what catches the eye.
Big teams such as Liverpool and Arsenal have also been linked with Ndicka which means it would be a good coup for Roma.
For anyone that has seen Houssem Aouar play, there is no doubting his talent. Aouar joined his hometown club at the age of 11. He made his first team debut in 2017 and has been a regular ever since.
Back in 2020, the Frenchman looked almost certain to join the Premier League. After impressing in the Champions League, and earning a call-up to the French national side (before later switching to Algeria) Arsenal came calling but after the move broke down, the attacking midfielder’s career has dwindled.
His technical ability and versatility are key, as well as his excellent right foot and eye for a pass. Still only 24 years old, this could be a real bargain for Roma.
If Mourinho wants to go to PSG, Roma cannot stop him. Potentially securing two clearly talented and fairly young first-team players early in the summer without dipping into the transfer pot certainly would not hurt their case when trying to convince him to stay.
