He wasn't joking! Mourinho eyes spectacular Premier League return

Milan Keskin

• Updated: 8 Nov 2024 16:43 GMT
• 3 min read

Jose Mourinho wants to return to the Premier League in the short term, according to a report.

The Portuguese coach believes that he has 'unfinished business' in England, according to The Guardian. Indeed, it is claimed that Mourinho has set his sights on Eddie Howe's Newcastle United.

The marriage between Fenerbahce and Mourinho has not been a happy one so far. The Istanbul giants are six points off leaders and city rivals Galatasaray and were just humiliated 3-1 by a youthful AZ Alkmaar side in the Europa League.

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In addition to the fact that things are not going well at Fenerbahce, the Portuguese has already made several negative comments about the Turkish Super Lig and has thus not made himself popular - but this is by design.

Mourinho is hoping for an early exit that will lead him back to the Premier League. Despite currently being at Fenerbahce, Mourinho still feels he has unfinished business in England.

After previous spells at Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham, the Portuguese is enthusiastic about the possibilities at Newcastle should Howe be let go.

Could Mourinho return to the Premier League?

Mourinho joked last month: 'I think the best thing I have to do is when I leave Fenerbahce, I go to a club that does not play UEFA competitions. If any club in England from the bottom of the table needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go."

However, maybe it was not merely banter. The speculation about Mourinho's interest in Newcastle is further fueled by his overtures to the club's management and his network in England.

For example, Mourinho had an informal meeting with Newcastle chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan in March during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He has also asked intermediaries to keep him informed of developments at the club.

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The fact that he warmly greeted English journalists and former colleagues last month when Man Utd were in Istanbul for a Europa League match suggests that he still attaches great value to his connections in the Premier League.

Although Howe is currently performing well with victories over Chelsea and Arsenal, his position at Newcastle in the long term seems uncertain due to the big ambitions of the Saudi owners.

The club want to establish themselves as regular participants in the Champions League and 11th place in the league is far below their expectations.