Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Sun 17 May 2026 9:30, UK

Ryan Mason is reportedly being considered by Italian second division side Sampdoria as their next manager, just months after being sacked from West Bromwich Albion.

Sampdoria’s CEO, Jesper Fredberg, is an admirer of the former Baggies boss and is said to have wanted him back from his own time with Anderlecht.

According to Get Football News Italy, Sampdoria are considering the “shock” appointment of Mason, and are keen despite his poor managerial record.

It comes after news that head coach Attilio Lombardo will not continue with the club, as the former Baggies boss is now in “pole position” for the job.

Mason was sacked by West Brom in January, and was a large reason as to why the Black Country Club almost found themselves relegated to League One, which is why the news will come as a surprise to fans.

What should Ryan Mason target for next job?

West Brom replaced Mason with Eric Ramsay, but neither of the external appointments proved to be a success in the end.

Shilen Patel then put trust in James Morrison, who steered the Baggies away from relegation as interim boss, earning a permanent appointment.

A small amount of Baggies fans still believe that Mason will be a success elsewhere, but his departure from The Hawthorns was needed.

Mason had some right ideas, but it was clear that he was out of his depth managing a club of such size, which questions his ability to do well in Italy.

However, the Italian second division is most likely of a lesser standard than that of the Championship, and it could be a good move for him, especially if he’s unwilling to drop to League One.

The former Spurs interim head coach will have to build himself back up again, and a push to get Sampdoria back to Serie A may sound appealing to him.

It’s unlikely that any clubs in the Championship would look to appoint him, as, despite it seeming like an obscure move, it could be in his best interests.

What are the main differences between James Morrison and Mason?

Ironically, the Baggies started off the season on the right foot under Mason, but as time went on, the cracks started to show.

Shilen Patel made the right call when he did, though the appointment of Ramsay nearly turned everything into a catastrophe.

Morrison instilled fight, belief and desire into the players, and though he is yet to implement his own philosophy, there are clear differences to Mason’s values.

The West Brom boss is keen on his side being sharp in front of goal, and now always looking for the perfect pass to get shots away.

Albion also look more defensively compact, better than ever from set-pieces, and look to move things forward with Morrison this summer.