Jose Mourinho is reportedly open to the idea of becoming Nottingham Forest’s next manager, with the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss eyeing a sensational return to the Premier League.
The 62-year-old Portuguese tactician, famously known as “The Special One”, is currently in charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce but has often been linked with a move back to England. Mourinho has a decorated CV, having won three Premier League titles across two stints at Chelsea, while also lifting the League Cup and Europa League during his spell with Manchester United. He also had a brief stint with Tottenham Hotspur, though without silverware.
Forest Tensions Spark Mourinho Links
Speculation around Mourinho’s future has intensified amid reports of tension between current Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo and club owner Evangelos Marinakis. Nuno himself admitted to a breakdown in his working relationship with the Reds’ hierarchy, opening the door to talk of potential replacements.
Well-connected former scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Mourinho would be tempted by the Forest job:
“I read that Forest might look at Jose Mourinho. I think he would be open to taking that job, because he’s always got one eye on a return to the Premier League. Everybody knows what he’s like – he enjoys being the centre of attention. That might be a good fit for Forest with all the noise surrounding them right now.”
Brown added that Mourinho’s track record of short spells at clubs could mean he is already weighing up an exit from Fenerbahce, despite his contract in Istanbul running until 2026.
Would Mourinho Be the Right Fit?
Appointing Mourinho would undoubtedly be a bold and controversial move for Forest. However, with the club mired in uncertainty and looking to establish themselves firmly in the Premier League, a manager of Mourinho’s stature could bring both stability and star power.
Mourinho has also been linked with Rangers and West Ham in recent months, but the lure of the Premier League may prove decisive if Nottingham Forest make an approach.
For now, Forest are hoping to resolve internal issues between Nuno, Marinakis, and global head of football Edu. But with Mourinho reportedly keeping “one eye” on England, the situation could develop quickly if cracks widen at the City Ground.
