Coach Jose Mourinho, currently managing Fenerbahce, has shown strong interest in returning to the Premier League by pursuing Newcastle United’s manager role, should Eddie Howe leave.
However, Newcastle’s management has refuted these rumors, expressing full confidence in Howe’s leadership and commitment to his long-term role at the club.
Reports indicate that the Portuguese coach, who led Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham in the past, sees Newcastle as his best chance for an English comeback.
According to The GuardianMourinho requested updates on Newcastle’s managerial situation through intermediaries and maintains ties with Newcastle chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan after meeting him socially at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March.
Head coach Jose Mourinho’s latest comments suggest he’s dissatisfied with his current position. After Fenerbahce’s recent 3-2 win over Trabzonspor, he openly criticized Turkish football. The coach, visibly frustrated by recent refereeing, questioned the appeal of Türkiye’s league to international audiences.
“Who wants to watch this Turkish league abroad? They have the Premier League, the French league, the German league… Why should they see this?” coach Jose Mourinho said, which led to a suspension and fine from Türkiye’s football federation.
Despite Mourinho’s interest, Newcastle’s management has firmly refuted any notion of replacing Eddie Howe. Howe, who recently marked his third year with the club, enjoys strong support from both the team’s leadership and fans.
He secured Newcastle’s spot in the Champions League last season, and despite financial constraints under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), he continues to lead the team through a successful season.
Newcastle currently ranks eighth in the Premier League, one point from the top four, positioning Howe well in the eyes of the club’s owners and supporters.
Newcastle sports journalist Luke Edwards dismissed the rumors of Mourinho joining as “farcical” and “disrespectful” to Howe’s efforts. Edwards emphasized that Newcastle “wants Howe to stay for many years” and views him as one of the most capable coaches of his generation.
Mourinho’s approach could create friction with Newcastle’s structure and values. Known for demanding high budgets and speaking out when restricted, Mourinho’s management style would clash with Newcastle’s methodical financial planning.
With PSR rules limiting spending to 70% of annual revenue to comply with UEFA’s European competition standards, Newcastle prioritizes disciplined growth and cost-effective recruitment, aligning closely with Howe’s methods.
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh expressed doubts that coach Jose Mourinho, frustrated with financial restrictions in Türkiye, would adapt easily. Waugh noted, “Mourinho could divert criticism upwards, to sporting director Paul Mitchell and even to the Saudi owners.”
In contrast, Howe has built a strong relationship with Newcastle’s leadership, including Mitchell, who joined the club last summer. Howe has won over fans and management alike, establishing himself as an essential figure for Newcastle.
As Edwards points out, Howe has a “collaborative management structure” and has created a shared vision with Mitchell and chief executive Darren Eales.
Newcastle’ support for Howe shows no signs of wavering. The club recently saw an upturn in its Premier League performance, which included a solid win over Nottingham Forest.
Howe’s leadership has cemented his place as a fan favorite, and his rapport with the team’s ownership strengthens his position. With Howe already on a long-term contract, Newcastle’s management remains committed to his vision, leaving coach Jose Mourinho’s potential return to England uncertain.
