Jose Mourinho is being linked with a sensational return to Chelsea for an unprecedented third spell as manager, with bookmakers reporting a surge in bets on the Portuguese coach. The 61-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Roma in January, but his odds have dramatically shortened amid the club's search for a new head coach following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino.
Mourinho enjoyed two trophy-laden stints at Stamford Bridge, from 2004 to 2007 and again from 2013 to 2015, winning three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, three League Cups and the Community Shield. However, his potential return would come with the possibility of him bringing several former players from his time in Italy, including Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham, Evan Ndicka, Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku.
Tomori, who came through Chelsea's academy, has impressed at AC Milan and could provide competition in defence. Abraham thrived under Mourinho at Roma before a serious knee injury, while Ndicka and Smalling have been regulars in the Roma backline. Lukaku, still contracted to Chelsea, played under Mourinho this season and scored 13 goals for Roma.
Despite the speculation, it remains unclear whether Chelsea's American owner Todd Boehly would sanction a move for Mourinho, given the club's recent preference for younger, progressive coaches. The Blues have also been linked with Kieran McKenna, Enzo Maresca, Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi.
A bet365 spokesperson confirmed the betting surge, stating: 'From 10.15 until 10.50 this morning, every single bet we took on the next Chelsea manager was for Jose Mourinho.' The unpredictable nature of Chelsea's ownership means a third Mourinho stint cannot be ruled out entirely.
