Football’s super agent Jorge Mendes sets sights on new project in South-east Asia

SINGAPORE – After establishing himself as one of the most influential football agents in Europe, Jorge Mendes’ next venture could take him to South-east Asia.

The Portuguese, who was in town this week, told The Sunday Times that he has been in discussion with Singapore tycoon Peter Lim on a new project in this region.

Mendes, 58, believes there is untapped potential, given the population of 697 million people in South-east Asia and their love for the sport.

While he did not divulge details, he said his vision was to bring coaches and academies from Europe to groom the next generation of talent, with the set-up starting from as young as Under-9s.

He added: “In the end, you are going to find top players for sure... because it’s impossible (not to) with 600 million people. It’s impossible to not find.”

He pointed to the likes of Football Association of Indonesia president Erick Thohir and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, owner of 10-time Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Takzim, as possibly key figures of this project.

The latter two have met Lim, who is also the owner of Spanish La Liga outfit Valencia.

Mendes said: “You should start bringing people, teachers, coaches from Portugal, Spain, from Europe.

“Because instead of bringing players, the key is if you start changing your plans and if you start bringing in professional people, people who know what’s going on and what to do. It will be much better because you have too many players, too many kids, everybody loves football.”

Mendes has made a name for himself by negotiating high-profile transfers, with some of his clients among the world’s best, such as five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Jose Mourinho.

He is also the agent for Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte and French defender Leny Yoro, both of whom signed for Manchester United over the summer as the fallen giants look to revive their fortunes.

The Red Devils also have a new manager with Portuguese Ruben Amorim taking over from Erik ten Hag, who was sacked in October after 11 points from nine matches left them 14th in the English Premier League.

The 39-year-old, who joined from Sporting Lisbon, will be looking to extend his unbeaten start with his new club when they host Everton in his first league match at Old Trafford on Dec 1.

He started his United stint with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town on Nov 24 and guided them to a 3-2 home win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League three days later.

Amorim is the sixth person to fill the role permanently since the club’s most successful manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Mendes believes that things are looking up for United, saying: “Manchester United are a big team, they deserve to change because for the last 12 to 13 years, after Sir Alex Ferguson, the situation was not the same any more.

“I think step by step, they have the right people to start improving, so I think they can change the situation for the future.”