59-year-old manager wants the Newcastle job, has links with Saudi Arabia

If Newcastle United’s owners decide to replace Eddie Howe, Roberto Mancini is interested in taking over as manager.

HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey says that PIF is reviewing Eddie Howe’s future as Newcastle United manager in the midst of a very dismal season.
The Magpies were knocked out of the Champions League at the first opportunity and are presently ranked 10th in the Premier League. It’s a vast cry from last season, which puts Howe under fire.

There have been speculations that his employment at St James’ Park is secure, but according to reports, PIF is considering alternative managers, including Roberto Mancini.

But would the current Saudi Arabia leader be interested? Bailey obviously believes that. Roberto Mancini is ‘open’ to becoming Newcastle manager.
Geordie Boot Boys met with HITC expert Graeme Bailey, who believes Mancini would be open to the idea of becoming Newcastle United manager.

“From what I’m told, Mancini would be open to it [becoming Newcastle manager],” claimed the Spaniard.

“He [Mancini] was one of the catalysts for what occurred at Manchester City. He earned their first Premier League title. If I were PIF, Roberto Mancini would be near the top of my list, not the Jose Mourinhos of the world.

“Mancini has been in this position. He’s taken over from a very popular manager previously.

“He’s been able to bring in these top quality players, and yeah Newcastle can bring big players in too, but you’re not telling me that Roberto Mancini can’t attract more players than Eddie Howe. That’s just a fact. Mancini can attract a player without having to pay them X amount of money. Yes, Newcastle with Howe can get the player in but you might have to pay him that much more.”
Roberto Mancini already has links with PIF

If Newcastle do decide to change manager, Mancini could prove to be an ideal option given his pedigree, while he already has ties to PIF due to his role with Saudi Arabia. He became their manager last year, and has a deal until 2027.

“I think it’s a great fit,” Bailey explained.

“He’s got that link with PIF already being the Saudi Arabia manager. That seems like an easy way out. Interestingly, he recently managed Saudi Arabia at St James’ Park.”

Eddie Howe might possibly continue as Newcastle’s manager
However, nothing is certain at this point. Eddie Howe is still Newcastle United’s manager, and he will most likely remain in that position if the season ends well. He can still lead the Magpies back to Europe, and the Europa League is not out of the question.

However, it is only natural for PIF to look forward. Bailey explains why they are conducting due diligence on other managers.

“PIF is examining the situation. As a Newcastle fan, I would be astonished if the owners weren’t doing their due diligence.

“If they did move on from Howe, you wouldn’t want them to be axing him without a plan in place.”