Former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is in talks for a return to coaching.
The Spaniard has been out of work for more than a year, with Rafa Benitez losing his job at Celta Vigo.
He was sacked in March 2024, and has been out of the managerial game ever since.
The Newcastle United hero has been doing a lot of media work since, while there have been rumours regarding a return.
Benitez rejected Botafogo in February, opting against taking his talents to Brazil. There was also talk of a move to Scotland, with Benitez linked with the Rangers job. However, there is speculation that Steven Gerrard could be returning to Ibrox instead.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Rafa Benitez in talks to secure new job
In the meantime, Rafa Benitez could be on his way to Greece.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, the 65-year-old has an agreement to become the new manager of AEK Athens.
The report claims that Benitez has held talks with AEK sporting director Javier Ribalta to discuss plans for next season.
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Greece would become the fifth different country he has worked in, alongside Spain, England, Italy and China.
Newcastle United’s previous five managers
There has been harmony on Tyneside in recent years. There has been no need for managerial overhaul ever since Eddie Howe arrived at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United manager Time spent in charge at St James’ Park
Eddie Howe 8th November 2021 – present
Steve Bruce 17th July 2019 – 20th October 2021
Rafa Benitez 11th March 2016 – 30th June 2019
Steve McClaren 10th June 2015 – 11th March 2016
John Carver 1st January 2015 – 9th June 2015
Alan Pardew 9th December 2010 – 30th December 2014
He replaced Steve Bruce as Newcastle United manager, who is now in charge of League One outfit Blackpool.
Bruce got the Blackpool job in September 2024, signing a two-year deal. His side finished ninth in the third tier of English football.
The 64-year-old took charge of Newcastle United after Rafa Benitez’s controversial departure. As stated, his next job looks set to be in Greece.
Before Benitez was Steve McClaren. He has now taken his talents to the international stage, managing the Jamaica national team.
McClaren got the Newcastle United job after John Carver’s stint as interim manager almost ended in relegation. Carver currently has two jobs on the go, working as Steve Clarke’s assistant with Scotland whilst also taking sole charge of Lechia Gdansk in Poland.
Carver’s period in charge of Newcastle came about when Alan Pardew decided to move to Crystal Palace in December 2014. His last club was Aris in Greece, whom he left in 2023.