According to ex-Crystal Palace manager Simon Jordan, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe faces becoming a ‘casualty’ in the next 18 months if he fails to match the club’s mega-rich owners’ expectations.
And beating Liverpool in this Sunday’s Carabao Cup final may not be enough to save him, considering the Saudis’ ambitions to compete in the Premier League and Europe in the coming years.
Although Howe is not under immediate fear of dismissal, Express Sport looks at five potential replacements if Jordan’s prophesy comes true and the present manager is simply a temporary ‘gatekeeper’…
Roberto Mancini
The Italian surely checks a lot of boxes. He can win the Premier League with a wealthy, up-and-coming club, like he did with Manchester City in 2011-12. He has had numerous high-profile positions, including managing Inter Milan and the Italian national team.
Importantly, Mancini will be on first-name terms with the Saudis after a year-long spell in charge of their national team ended in 2024. And he has been on the market since mutually agreeing to leave his post in October.
Mauricio Pochettino
Newcastle were reportedly lining up Pochettino amid speculation over Howe’s future last summer. The Argentine has a solid Premier League track record from his time in charge of Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. But getting hold of him may now be extremely difficult, with Pochettino snapped up by the U.S. Men’s National Team in August to lead them into a home World Cup in 2026.
Gareth Southgate
Speaking of international managers, Southgate has been out of a job since resigning from his England post after Euro 2024. There, he led the Three Lions to a second major tournament final during his tenure, and came up just short for a second time. The 54-year-old has been taking a break after eight tough years in the spotlight, but he has the pedigree to land a top job when he decides the time is right.
Jose Mourinho
The self-proclaimed ‘special one’ has won two Champions Leagues and league titles in England, Italy and Spain. Not many coaches of Mourinho’s generation have won more than the Portuguese, and late last year he teased a return to the Premier League. But for now he remains in charge of Fenerbahce, and questions persist about whether he is past his best.
Massimiliano Allegri
If top-level silverware is what the Newcastle owners are after, former AC Milan and Juventus boss Allegri can dangle six Serie A titles and a host of domestic cups in their faces. The 57-year-old has been available since his second spell at Juve came to an end last May.
