Daniel Farke looking sad, with Elland Road in the background
Credit: Hasan Karim
Niall Togher
Wed 17 September 2025 16:10, UK
Leeds United have previously been linked with a blockbuster move to bring Jose Mourinho to Elland Road.
Following Leeds’ promotion, there was uncertainty regarding Daniel Farke’s future in West Yorkshire.
Mourinho was one of the names linked to Leeds, as the 49ers appeared to be floating out the idea to the fanbase about changing the manager to see what the reaction would be like.
The rumours again ramped up when Mourinho left Fenerbache, but after the latest reports regarding the legendary Portuguese manager, Mourinho to Leeds seems to be no longer a possibility for now.
Jose Mourinho managing Fenerbache
credit: Imago
Jose Mourinho confirmed as new Benfica boss
If Leeds lose to Wolves at the weekend, Farke’s impressive start to the season will have been short-lived, and the pressure will truly begin to ramp up on the German.
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Luckily for Farke, one of the highest-profile free agent managers in Mourinho is on the verge of being snapped up by Benfica, meaning there is one less contender for his job in the eyes of the 49ers.
Fabrizio Romano reported the news on X, claiming Mourinho wants an immediate return to management after his dismissal as Fenerbache boss.
Farke will surely breathe a sigh of relief after reading this news, as the allure of bringing Mourinho to Elland Road may have been too tempting a proposition for the 49ers to turn down if the Whites hit a rough patch in form.
🚨💣 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
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49ers should have sacked Daniel Farke in the summer
If the 49ers wanted to give Leeds the best chance of staying up, they should have made the decision to part ways with Farke in the summer.
His replacement did not necessarily have to be Mourinho, but a change certainly had to be made.
Sticking with a manager who has already failed in the Premier League twice is a recipe for disaster, and the 49ers cannot have any sympathy if their plan backfires.
Farke’s decision to play Brenden Aaronson on the wing, after the American repeatedly proved he was not good enough for Leeds in the Championship in his preferred number ten role, is the type of decision that will eventually cost Farke his job.
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