Antonio Conte has turned down a huge financial offer from Saudi club Al-Ahli and is waiting for a top European project, with his name continuing to hover over both AC Milan and Juventus.
The former Napoli, Chelsea and Juventus coach was present in the stands at San Siro on Tuesday as Milan lost 0-2 to Benfica in the Europa League. His appearance immediately increased the pressure on Ruben Amorim, who is under scrutiny after a difficult start to the season.
Conte rejected a “huge financial offer, beyond any Italian and even European spending logic” from Al-Ahli, according to Fabrizio Romano.
After leaving Napoli in the summer — the club quickly appointed Massimiliano Allegri — Conte received the Al-Ahli proposal. He declined it because he had no intention of moving so far from his world.
Rumours linking him with Fenerbahçe also faded quickly. Conte has chosen a short break from the day-to-day stress of management and wants to return only to a club with ambition and a clear top-level European project.
Juventus remains the one club he would accept without a second thought. Luciano Spalletti’s position in Turin has come under discussion, and Conte’s shadow continues to linger over the Bianconeri bench.
For every other club, past prestige alone will not be enough. As things stand, both Spalletti and Amorim may even be hoping Manchester United stick with their current set-up — removing the Conte “threat” from their own futures.
Conte was at San Siro for Milan-Benfica. His presence alone heaped pressure on Amorim.
The coach from Salento guarantees results and substance. When he is available, no dugout feels completely safe. Directors at struggling clubs will always be tempted by a manager of his level.
Conte is in no rush. He is waiting for the right European project — and both Milan and Juventus remain the names most frequently linked with a possible return.
Juventus is the only club Conte would join without hesitation. For everyone else, a genuine top-level project is required.
By Luca Ferrario | Football Writer, Sportspherearena
Football journalist covering the world’s top leagues and global transfer market — fast, well-sourced, and always first to the story.
