Newcastle United and Jose Mourinho could soon be going head-to-head again.
The Special One has a rich history with Newcastle United given his relationship with Sir Bobby Robson. Jose Mourinho always speaks incredibly highly of the Magpies, while there have been plenty of rumours regarding him becoming manager at St James’ Park.
That is unlikely to happen any time soon, but there is now a possibility that the 62-year-old could be back on Tyneside in the very near future.
Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce in late August after failing to qualify for the Champions League, but could now have a route back into the competition.
Jose Mourinho managing Fenerbahce against Benfica in the Champions League playoff.
Photo by Miguel Lemos/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Newcastle United could now meet Jose Mourinho in the Champions League
The 2025/26 Champions League kicked off on Tuesday night. Lloyd Kelly scored a dramatic equaliser in Juventus’ 4-4 draw with Borussia Dortmund, but that was not the biggest shock of the night.
That came in Portugal, as Benfica threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Qarabag. The result cost Bruno Lage his job, and could now lead to Mourinho returning to management.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho is in ‘advanced talks’ to replace Lage as Benfica manager.
Romano states that an agreement is not far away, with Mourinho eager to return to the touchline as soon as possible following his Fenerbahce departure.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
🚨💣 BREAKING: Benfica are in advanced talks with José Mourinho after Bruno Lage got sacked overnight! ❤️🤍
Understand Mourinho has opened doors to Benfica move as he wants to return to coaching immediately.
The agreement could be sealed soon. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/RL8eZmn5BY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2025
View Tweet
That is significant for Newcastle United, as Benfica are one of their Champions League opponents.
The Champions League draw put Newcastle and Benfica together, with the two sides clashing at St James’ Park on 21st October. That was already a tough game for the Magpies, but now even more eyes will be on that fixture if Mourinho is in town.
Historically, Mourinho always struggles at St James’ Park, so it will be interesting to see if that record continues.
Jose Mourinho wants to be Newcastle United manager
Over the years, there have been plenty of rumours about Mourinho becoming the Newcastle United manager.
Robson wanted him to be his assistant before succeeding him on Tyneside, but Mourinho rejected that opportunity.
In recent years since the PIF takeover, there have been even more rumours regarding the former Premier League winner patrolling the touchline at St James’ Park.
Most recently, it was reported in November 2024 that Mourinho wants to be Newcastle manager if Eddie Howe were to leave.
That story was laughed off, while Howe went on to cement his legacy as a Newcastle United legend by ending the club’s trophy drought and winning the 2025 Carabao Cup.