Newcastle eye Real Madrid target Jose Mourinho to lead the Magpies

Jose Mourinho is at the top of Newcastle’s list for possible Eddie Howe replacements going into next season.

Newcastle United have suffered an underwhelming season under current manager Eddie Howe, falling from the summit of their Carabao Cup victory and Champions League qualification in 2025 to a 14th-placed table position this year.

The Magpies were knocked out of both domestic cups in respective 3-1 and 5-1 (aggregate) losses to Manchester City earlier this year.

Jose Mourinho is viewed as the man to get Newcastle back on track

According to a report from Estadio Deportivo, Newcastle United have prioritised Jose Mourinho as a possible replacement for Howe, whose future at the club is uncertain.

As expected, the Magpies will face intense competition, namely from Real Madrid who are hoping for a shock Mourinho return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 63-year-old, currently head coach of Benfica, is more than willing to return to the helm of the Spanish side, provided the opportunity presents itself.

On Real Madrid’s side, Mourinho’s tactical discipline, particularly in regard to his defensive structure, his fiery media presence providing the perfect shield for external criticism of the Spanish team’s players, and an ever-growing nostalgia make him an ideal candidate.

While Newcastle's hopes of seeing Mourinho on the sideline may appear unlikely, the Portuguese coach will face strong competition for the Real Madrid job.

According to a report from Fichajes, another high-profile name being considered for the task is World Cup-winning manager Lionel Scaloni, ranked at No.20 in FourFourTwo's list of the best international managers of all time.

Despite his commitment to the Argentinian national team, who are looking to retain football’s most sought after trophy at the World Cup 2026, Scaloni’s contract expires in December of this year.

The 47-year-old is viewed by Real Madrid as an ideal selection due to his experience in dealing with the crushing pressure of an entire nation - a pressure that the Spanish side exert more strongly than anyone else at club level.

In the event of Mourinho being pipped to the job by Scaloni, Newcastle may have a better chance than they envision - the Portuguese coach’s latest exploits in England ended abruptly after being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur.

That departure came just six days prior to a Carabao Cup final that Mourinho took the club to in 2021, which Spurs went on to lose 1-0 to Manchester City.

If the lingering taste of unfinished business remains in Mourinho’s mouth when he thinks of English football, he could be swayed by the idea of taking Newcastle back to their domestic cup perch after being denied the opportunity to win said silverware five years ago.

Newcastle United return to Premier League action this weekend in their home clash against Bournemouth.