Wayne Rooney is reportedly making deliberate moves toward a return to football management, with growing interest in a potential role within the Saudi Pro League, according to reports from The Sun.
The former Manchester United and England captain is said to be carefully weighing his options as he looks to reignite his managerial career in a new and evolving football landscape.
Sources close to Rooney suggest that he is open to the idea of coaching in Saudi Arabia, viewing it as a progressive and strategic step rather than a detour.
The possibility mirrors the route taken by his former England teammate Steven Gerrard, who previously accepted a high-profile role in the region.
Rooney is understood to be intrigued by the challenge of managing in the Middle East and is receptive to opportunities that would allow him to rebuild momentum following recent setbacks.
Reports indicate that Rooney has already been alerted to interest from at least one Saudi-based club. Such an appointment is seen as mutually beneficial: it would give Rooney a platform to reestablish himself as a manager while simultaneously helping to boost the global profile of the Saudi Pro League, which continues to attract internationally recognized figures both on and off the pitch.
League officials are keen to leverage the star power and experience of former elite players to accelerate the competition’s development and visibility.
This potential move fits into a broader trend in world football, where established names are increasingly exploring managerial and playing opportunities outside Europe’s traditional power leagues.
With significant investment and ambitious long-term plans, the Saudi Pro League has become an attractive destination for coaches seeking fresh challenges, financial stability, and the chance to shape emerging football projects.
Rooney’s managerial career, however, has not been without its difficulties. His most recent role at Birmingham City ended prematurely, with the club dismissing him after just three months in charge.
During that period, results were hard to come by, as Birmingham managed only two wins from fifteen matches.
The short and turbulent spell proved a major setback and led Rooney to step away temporarily from management.
Currently, Rooney is spending time in Dubai, using the break to reflect on his career and assess his next steps.
Despite the disappointment of his Birmingham tenure, those close to him believe he remains confident in his abilities and motivated to prove himself.
A move to Saudi Arabia is viewed as a clean slate—an opportunity to work in a different footballing culture, away from the intense scrutiny of the English game.
Managing in the Saudi Pro League would allow Rooney to demonstrate his tactical ideas and leadership skills in a rapidly growing environment. It also offers the chance to be part of a league aiming to establish itself as a global force.
For Rooney, this potential appointment could represent a defining moment—one that helps reshape his managerial reputation and marks an important new phase in his evolving journey as a coach.
As discussions and considerations continue, Rooney’s openness to a Middle Eastern move highlights his determination to remain active in management and his willingness to embrace unconventional paths in pursuit of long-term success.
