Newcastle United next manager: Top 10 contenders ranked
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is under huge pressure after an underwhelming season and patience is the only resource the club’s owners don’t have in abundance.
The Magpies were soaring last season and the buzz from their Saudi Arabian takeover catapulted the club into the Champions League.
However, the 2023-24 season has been much more difficult for the Tyneside club and fingers are beginning to point towards Howe.
The 46-year-old brought a feel-good factor back to Newcastle when he was hired in 2021 but questions are now being asked of his ability to take the club to the next level.
With Howe’s position possibly under threat this summer, Football Insider takes a look at 10 contenders who could succeed him in the St James’ Park hot seat.
10. Marco Silva (Fulham)
Silva’s success at Fulham has flown under the radar.
The Portuguese boss has not only steered the Cottagers clear of any relegation fights but also established them as Premier League regulars with an attractive style of play.
His contract with the Londoners is valid until 2026 but the opportunity to lead Newcastle’s ambitious new project is surely something that could tempt him into a move.
Managerial statistics: Managed (456) | Wins (224) | Draws (95) | Losses (137) – Overall win rate (49.1%)
9. Thomas Frank (Brentford)
The Bees have struggled under Frank this season but that shouldn’t diminish his superb achievements with the London outfit.
He led Brentford to the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history during his first full season in charge.
He has had to cope with an ever-changing squad at a club that is happy to sell their brightest talents – that won’t happen at Newcastle.
Managerial statistics: Managed (474) | Wins (215) | Draws (111) | Losses (148) – Overall win rate (45.4%)
8. Arne Slot (Feyenoord)
In his first two seasons at Feyenoord Slot led the club to the Europa Conference League final and won a league title.
He was heavily linked to the vacancies at Tottenham and Leeds United last summer but opted to stay put in the Netherlands.
His lack of experience makes his appointment a risk for Newcastle but Slot could be worth a roll of the dice.
Managerial statistics: Managed (199) | Wins (215) | Draws (111) | Losses (148) – Overall win rate (45.4%)
7. Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham)
It would be a real statement of intent if Newcastle were able to poach a top-class manager from one of their direct rivals.
However, luring Postecoglou away from his project in North London will be a difficult task after his promising start.
His high-energy and front-footed style would be adored by the St James’ Park faithful.
Managerial statistics: Managed (713) | Wins (384) | Draws (142) | Losses (187) – Overall win rate (53.9%)
6. Antonio Conte
A proven winner who would likely jump at the chance to make Newcastle contenders at the highest level.
Conte is on the market this summer having been out of action since his departure at Tottenham in 2023.
A controversial figure whose style of play isn’t always attractive – but it’s hard to argue against his track record with five league titles on his CV.
Managerial statistics: Managed (613) | Wins (356) | Draws (143) | Losses (114) – Overall win rate (58%)
5. Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton)
The Brighton boss has plenty of admirers following his success on the south coast.
He has been linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United this summer but Newcastle could leapfrog their rivals if they move quickly.
The charismatic Italian is young, has Premier League experience and will guarantee that Newcastle fans are on the edge of their seats with his attacking style.
Managerial statistics: Managed (384) | Wins (159) | Draws (96) | Losses (129) – Overall win rate (41.4%)
4. Ruben Amorim (Sporting Lisbon)
Amorim’s name is high up on several shortlists this summer.
The 39-year-old has made headlines in Portugal by bringing a league title to Lisbon for the first time in 19 years and this summer is the ideal time for him to take a big step in his career.
There are not many projects in world football more ambitious or exciting than the long-term plans at Newcastle.
Managerial statistics: Managed (234) | Wins (165) | Draws (34) | Losses (35) – Overall win rate (70.5%)
3. Jose Mourinho
A return to the Premier League is inevitable for ‘The Special One’.
Sources have told Football Insider that Mourinho is “very keen” to work at Newcastle and is pushing behind the scenes to get the role.
Mourinho is an iconic figure within world football for his success at Chelsea, Inter Milan, Porto and Real Madrid and plenty of Newcastle fans will no doubt want their club added to the list.
Managerial statistics: Managed (1,133) | Wins (701) | Draws (236) | Losses (196) – Overall win rate (61.9%)
2. Graham Potter
Potter seems well-equipped to spearhead a long-term project and that is precisely what Newcastle need.
He proved at Brighton that he can coach a low-budget side to dominate games and compete with the Premier League’s elite and in Tyneside he will have a much larger budget to work with.
Potter has bided his time since his sacking at Chelsea to make sure his next job is right for him but it seems he’s ready to delve back into management this summer.
Managerial statistics: Managed (466) | Wins (202) | Draws (125) | Losses (139) – Overall win rate (43.4%)
1. Thomas Tuchel (Bayern Munich)
Tuchel being sacked by Chelsea and Bayern Munich within the space of two years doesn’t look good on paper – but the truth is that he has also won the Champions League and a league title in that time.
The 50-year-old has managed at the very highest level after stints with Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Chelsea and now Bayern.
He ticks every box that the Newcastle owners will want and his appointment would almost guarantee silverware at Newcastle.
Managerial statistics: Managed (601) | Wins (346) | Draws (120) | Losses (135) – Overall win rate (57.6%)
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