Transfer News: Premier League Coach Rejects MEGA-MONEY Saudi Pro League Offer

UPDATE: Sunday, July 23 at 5:15 pm

In the latest football transfer news, Fulham coach Marco Silva has allegedly rejected a huge offer to become the new manager of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli.

According to a tweet from the respected football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano: ‘Marco Silva has rejected huge €40m two year deal proposal from Saudi side Al Ahli  Portuguese coach has decided to stay at Fulham, showing his committment once again despite two big Saudi proposals. Next signing: Raúl Jimenez, as revealed earlier today’.

Marco Silva has rejected huge €40m two year deal proposal from Saudi side Al Ahli 🚨⛔️🇸🇦

Portuguese coach has decided to stay at Fulham, showing his committment once again despite two big Saudi proposals.

Next signing: Raúl Jimenez, as revealed earlier today. pic.twitter.com/XmVnwwZUCm

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 23, 2023

During a press conference, Silva had been non-committal about his future in London. As reported by The Sun, he said: ‘I answered for my club. I will not talk about this situation’.

‘I will not talk about the situation. I have shown my commitment to this club so many times and it will continue. I don’t come here to talk about offers and these situations. If you ask me, I will not lie to you, if I receive an offer, of course, the club knows that, but I will talk nothing more’, he continued.

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Fulham need to resolve the Aleksandar Mitrovic situation

Romano also claimed that Cottagers were on the verge of resolving the situation surrounding their 28-year-old Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The player is said to be upset after the West London club apparently turned down two big-money offers for him from Al-Hilal.

Fabrizio Romano also tweeted on this situation, claiming that Raul Jimenez was on the verge of joining Fulham from Wolves.

‘Fulham are closing in on £5.5m deal to sign Raúl Jiménez from Wolves, here we go soon! Agreement imminent between the two clubs  #FulhamFC Raúl accepted, medical could take place early next week. Exclusive story confirmed’, he tweeted earlier this afternoon.

Fulham are closing in on £5.5m deal to sign Raúl Jiménez from Wolves, here we go soon! Agreement imminent between the two clubs ⚪️⚫️ #FulhamFC

Raúl accepted, medical could take place early next week.

Exclusive story confirmed 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/X1D7bsGQnW

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 23, 2023

The Mexican international has bagged 57 goals in 166 games for the Midlands outfit since arriving in 2018 from Benfica and would appear to be an ideal replacement at Craven Cottage for Mitrovic.

It would appear that Fulham were waiting on securing another striker after the Serb international allegedly refused to play for them again.

Romano commented: ‘Marco Silva on Mitrović deal: “It’s not ideal scenario. He’s not going to play next game — he’s not working with the squad. Sometimes players have individual decisions they have to take”. Al Hilal agreed terms with Mitrović, he wants the move. Fulham rejected two bids’.

Marco Silva on Mitrović deal: “It’s not ideal scenario. He’s not going to play next game — he’s not working with the squad”. 🚨🇸🇦

“Sometimes players have individual decisions they have to take”.

Al Hilal agreed terms with Mitrović, he wants the move. Fulham rejected two bids. pic.twitter.com/mBw1QSftpl

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2023

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Friday, July 23 at 0:51 am

THE Saudi Pro League now appears to have turned its attention to Premier League coaches according to a report from Sky Sports News this Thursday, July 20.

In what is believed to be a first, Fulham manager Marco Silva is said to have been approached by Al-Ahli. He has allegedly been offered £40 million to leave Craven Cottage, according to the news outlet.

BREAKING: Al Ahly have offered Fulham head coach Marco Silva a £40 million two-year deal to become their manager. pic.twitter.com/5yVoPN2EDX

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 20, 2023

Should Silva accept the offer then the 46-year-old Portuguese coach will be the first current Premier League to succumb to the big money on offer from the Middle East.

Silva is in America on a pre-season tour with his Fulham squad right now and his contract with the club still has 12 months left to run.

However, Sky Sports understand that his representatives are holding talks with officials from the Saudi club in London. It is thought that a £6 million release clause is built into his deal with the West Londoners. He allegedly turned down a previous offer earlier this summer to manage in Saudi Arabia.

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Silva previously managed Hull, Watford and Everton

After being fired by Everton in 2021, the former Hull and Watford boss was offered the vacant Fulham job 18 months later. In his first season, he guided them out of the Championship and back into the top flight. That was followed by an excellent tenth-place finish last season.

Fulham are no stranger to the advances of the Saudi Pro League. Their Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has already been the subject of a bid from Al-Hilal.

Their initial £25.5 million was reportedly rejected with the London club said to have blocked the move and asked for £52m for their star player, who actually wants to make the switch. Mitrovic reportedly told friends that if Fulham continue to block his move he will never play for them again.

Al-Ahli have had a busy summer signing big names

Al-Ahli have already acquired several top names this summer. Their squad now boasts new arrivals in the shape of the former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy along with the ex-Liverpool legend, Roberto Firminho.

Riyad Mahrez is also on the verge of being unveiled after a move from the European champions, Manchester City, according to the respected football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

He tweeted: ‘Riyad Mahrez to Al Ahli, here we go! The documents are being exchanged as Man City and Al Ahli want the deal signed by the end of the week.  #AlAhli Mahrez will sign until June 2027 — Man City will receive €35m fee with add ons included. Medical booked in the next 24h’.

Riyad Mahrez to Al Ahli, here we go! The documents are being exchanged as Man City and Al Ahli want the deal signed by the end of the week. 🚨🟢🇸🇦 #AlAhli

Mahrez will sign until June 2027 — Man City will receive €35m fee with add ons included.

Medical booked in the next 24h. pic.twitter.com/Vh390HYr6V

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023

Two former Premier League managers are already working in Saudi Arabia. Steven Gerrard, formerly with Glasgow Rangers and Aston Villa recently took over the reins at Al Ettifaq.

Nuno Espirito Santo is in charge of Al-Ittihad. Under the guidance of the former Tottenham and Wolves boss, the club lifted the Saudi Pro League trophy last season.