Jose Mourinho odds slashed to seal Premier League return, he’s now joint-favourite

Jose Mourinho has emerged among the favourites to be appointed by Newcastle United amid the pressure on Eddie Howe’s job.

The Englishman has led a hugely disappointing season, with the Magpies out of all of the cup competitions and currently 14th in the Premier League.

Mourinho is under contract at Benfica, where he is overseeing a late attempt to surge towards the Liga Portugal title.

The 63-year-old has not managed in the Premier League since he was sacked by Tottenham in 2021, but would likely jump at the chance to return.

Newcastle manager Howe has reportedly retained the backing of decision-makers for now, but attitudes can change extremely quickly.

Bookies slash Jose Mourinho odds

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider this week that Newcastle are considering Howe’s future this summer.

The 48-year-old has been the figurehead of the Magpies’ project under the ownership of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, but it really has been a torrid season.

Sunday’s late defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace was the third consecutive loss, and the fifth time Newcastle have failed to win across their last six games.

Howe’s side were humiliated in the Champions League by Barcelona, losing 7-2 at Camp Nou, and were smashed out of the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup by Manchester City.

Luckily, the closely-packed nature of the middle of the Premier League means a good run of form could see Newcastle still finish in the top half.

But the problem is that there appears to be little chance of that happening, with the Magpies struggling for consistency throughout the campaign.

Should Howe be sacked, one major bookmaker has slashed Mourinho’s odds of taking over from 4/1 to 2/1 in recent hours, making him the favourite alongside Andoni Iraola.

Mourinho has already given his answer

Mourinho’s Benfica travelled to St James’ Park in October for a Champions League group-stage game.

The legendary manager had only been in charge for a few weeks, and his team were crushed 3-0 by the Premier League side, with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes on the scoresheet.

Speaking before the game, he said: “I don’t regret [not managing here] because I never had a chance to. Never close (to the manager’s job). Close to coming with Sir Bobby Robson (as assistant).

“That possibility came when I was starting to think about myself. There was a lot of media talk but I was never contacted by Newcastle, never.

“I don’t think they need a [new] coach, I don’t think they’ll need me and I hope it goes well for Eddie. I wouldn’t change Benfica for any club in the world.”

Should Newcastle be knocking on Mourinho’s door this summer, however, that answer may well change.

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