Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Eddie Howe job under threat as Saudi billionaires target huge name to take Newcastle forward

Eddie Howe, Newcastle manager, during Premier League match against Manchester City

The future of Eddie Howe at Newcastle appears to be under some threat amid claims Newcastle are ready to move for a Champions League winning coach as his replacement.

The former Cherries boss was the surprise name chosen by their Saudi billionaire owners, PIF, upon their takeover in November. Relegation-threatened at the time, Howe has done a stellar done at St James’ Park to get the club upwardly mobile.

Having invested wisely in the January window, Newcastle have seen a major uplift in results and performances under him. Indeed, Monday’s 2-0 win over Arsenal was arguably the finest display of his reign.

It also means Newcastle can finish in the top half of the table with a win at Burnley on Sunday and if other results go their way.

As such, Howe has made himself extremely popular among the Newcastle faithful.

However, there has always been that feeling that Howe is not an appointment for the long term on Tyneside. The club has huge ambitions to one day challenge for the biggest trophies. And while getting to that level will prove a steady process, there remains question marks over whether PIF see Howe as that man.

Now, according to the Daily Express, Newcastle are ready to make a summer approach for Jose Mourinho.

Currently at Roma, the former Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham boss is very well known to English audiences. A serial winner, Mourinho has been known as something of a heavy spender at his previous clubs.

And with a huge transfer warchest at his disposal this summer, the Magpies are being linked with an approach for the ‘Special One’.

Special One’s Roma contract not a problem

Indeed, Mourinho was linked with the vacancy upon Steve Bruce’s sacking on Tyneside earlier this season.

Mourinho, a Champions League winner with Porto and Inter, is contracted to Roma until summer 2024.

However, it is thought he may be tempted by one final challenge back in the Premier League with Newcastle.

And paying buying out his contract at Roma is unlikely to dissuade PIF if they decide Mourinho is the one.

The move has already been given the thumbs up by pundit Darren Bent.

“Newcastle is the only one where I’m looking at it and thinking it’s a match made in heaven,” he said.

“They’ve got endless funds, he likes to spend money. I can imagine with the new owners being there, they’d look at his CV and like to appoint him.”

Jose Mourinho appointment would be harsh on Eddie Howe

There is no doubting that the appointment of Mourinho would significantly raise Newcastle’s profile.

As great a manager that Howe is, he perhaps lacks the charm and appeal of a Mourinho when it comes to attracting the very top stars.

Mourinho would give them that.

There is a danger, that said, that his style of football would not be totally in keeping with what Newcastle’s fans expect.

And would they sacrifice style for substance if it helped take them to the next level?

Eddie Howe OUT, Jose Mourinho IN at Newcastle???

Eddie Howe OUT, Jose Mourinho IN at Newcastle???

Eddie Howe is reportedly to be replaced as Newcastle manager by Jose Mourinho currently at Roma

That’s an argument that will likely be taken out of their hands should the club move to appoint Mourinho.

However, I dare say that Newcastle fans would want Eddie Howe to be given another season at least. Having steered them into mid-table safety, what is the argument against Howe for at least getting a full season at the helm to see where he can take them.

The club has only gone in one direction since his appointment and his removal as boss would seem wholly unjust.

Meanwhile, Newcastle hopes of signing Hugo Ekitike appear to be fading amid claims a German giant has also come in for him.