Who could be Newcastle's next manager? 5 top names linked to become boss after takeover
Posted Sunday, April 19, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk
Newcastle United are set for a big money takeover and a new regime could spell the end of Steve Bruce's time in charge at St James' Park
A £300million takeover of Newcastle United, backed by the Saudi Arabia Sovereign Wealth Fund, looks set to be completed in the near future and could be done by the end of April.
How much money the new owners will invest in the club is currently unknown, although it is certainly conceivable that Newcastle will be looking to push towards the top of the Premier League table with some high-profile transfer bids.
Consequently, Steve Bruce may not be in the job for long. A change of ownership often brings new management, and swapping frugality for lavish spending would surely see the Magpies target a ‘big-name’ coach.
Here are five candidates who could be hired.
Steve Bruce could be out of a job if the Newcastle takeover goes through (Image: GETTY)
Rafael Benitez
Former boss Rafa Benitez is the betting favourite to return to Newcastle (Image: GETTY)
The bookies’ favourite is former manager Rafael Benitez, who left Newcastle in 2019 after becoming frustrated by Mike Ashley’s unwillingness to invest in new players. The Spaniard formed a deep bond with the club and may well jump at the chance to return to St. James’ Park.
It would be a popular move for the new owners, too, who will no doubt be keen to make a good first impression. Hiring Benitez is an opportunity to be viewed as sympathetic to supporters and the local community, which could prove crucial in these first few months as Saudi Arabia’s human rights record is scrutinized on the back pages.
Max Allegri
Max Allegri has been in demand since leaving Juventus last summer
Another popular choice would be ex-Juventus manager Max Allegri, out of work since leaving the Italian club in May last year. The 52-year-old was tipped to replace Bruce by journalist Fabio Santini earlier this month, which has seen him become second favourite should the new owners make a change.
After winning the league with AC Milan in 2011, Allegri won five consecutive Serie A titles with Juve, lifted the Italian Cup four times, and reached two Champions League finals. Suffice to say he would be a major coup for Newcastle, bringing a tactical sophistication and star power that would transform the club overnight.
Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino is still without a job after being sacked by Tottenham
Just a few months ago it looked as though Pochettino would have his pick of elite clubs this summer, but the situation has changed dramatically. Manchester United have repeatedly backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Real Madrid are improving under Zinedine Zidane, while football’s global hiatus could make managerial stability the favoured option for most clubs.
Newly wealthy Newcastle, then, might be the best fit for Pochettino - who will be itching to get back in the game. If they can get him, the Magpies ought to make the Argentine their number one priority.
Steven Gerrard
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was linked with the job when Benitez left in the summer (Image: GETTY)
If Newcastle have to go a little further down their dream shortlist for a big name, then Rangers manager Steven Gerrard may well be available. As a Premier League legend, putting Gerrard in the dugout could be another shortcut to popularity on Tyneside.
Gerrard hasn’t enjoyed a particularly strong start to life as a manager, finishing runner-up in his debut Scottish Premiership season and falling 11 points behind Celtic in 2019/20 before the suspension. However, toppling Celtic was always a big ask, and Gerrard could yet become an elite coach.
Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger has been out of management since leaving Arsenal in 2018 (Image: GETTY)
Late last year Wenger admitted he wanted to return to football management, and while an international job feels like the right fit, the Frenchman could be tempted by a lucrative offer from Newcastle. Certainly hiring a three-time Premier League winner would be a statement of intent from the new owners.
His attractive possession football is the polar opposite of Bruce, and like the takeover at Manchester City it is highly likely Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Prince behind the bid, will want glittering football to be at the heart of the brand.
Photos
More»
Rhian Sugden's sexiest pictures
Saturday April 20 2024
Fans love Apollonia as she poses in tiny denim shirts
Saturday April 20 2024
Eugenie Bouchard sends fans wild in barely-there bikini
Friday April 19 2024
Your Say