Newcastle are interested in appointing former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho to replace Eddie Howe, according to talkSPORT.
The St James’ Park side are believed to be attracted to the idea of hiring a big-name manager amid a difficult season under Howe, with the club sitting 14th in the Premier League with six games remaining.
Mourinho is seen as a leading candidate to become the new Portugal manager after the World Cup, but has indicated in the past that he would be open to a return to the Premier League.
The 63-year-old is currently in charge of Benfica, where he is under contract until the summer of 2027.
Newcastle Eyeing Jose Mourinho
jose mourinho
According to talkSPORT, Newcastle have several potential candidates to replace Howe if the English tactician ends up losing his job following the season.
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who is currently in charge of Qatari side Al-Sadd, is another name likely to be considered.
The same applies to Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who is believed to be open to a move to St James’ Park and would be available after the campaign.
The Spanish tactician is expected to leave Bournemouth upon contract expiry in June and also has admirers at Crystal Palace.
Mourinho last coached in England during the 2020-21 season at Tottenham, when he was sacked in April after just 17 months in charge.
The 63-year-old, who Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis praised as the ‘best of all’ coaches in the world, has been vocal about his willingness to make a return to Premier League football.
After being sent off during Fenerbahce’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Europa League in October 2024, the Portuguese manager said:
“The best thing I have to do is when I leave Fenerbahce, I go to a club that doesn’t play in UEFA competition.
“So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I’m ready to go.”
Newcastle Facing Uncertain Summer
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe watching on from the touchline
Two years on, Newcastle could be in the exact situation Mourinho described. The Magpies’ frustrating campaign looks set to leave them without continental football, with Howe’s future now under scrutiny.
The St James’ Park side are facing an uncertain summer with several potential major player exits, including captain Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon.
The quartet have been heavily linked with moves away in recent months, with Gordon the latest to emerge as a target for Champions League semi-finalists Bayern Munich.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe after losing to West Ham United. Related
Newcastle Make Offer to Sign ‘Incredible’ Forward as Anthony Gordon Replacement
Newcastle United have submitted an offer for the 20-year-old forward.