Jose Mourinho could be set for shock Newcastle United visit, he’s in talks over new job – Romano
Newcastle United could face Jose Mourinho once again in the Champions League
Newcastle United and Jose Mourinho may soon be set for another intriguing encounter, with the Portuguese coach edging closer to a sensational return to management.
The man known worldwide as The Special One shares a unique bond with Newcastle United, largely because of his close relationship with the late Sir Bobby Robson, who mentored Mourinho early in his career. Over the years, Mourinho has often spoken with deep admiration for both Robson and the Newcastle fanbase, while speculation has repeatedly linked him with a managerial role at St James’ Park. Although such a move has never materialised, the 62-year-old could be back on Tyneside much sooner than expected — this time in opposition.
Mourinho’s most recent spell at Fenerbahce came to an abrupt end in late August when he was dismissed following the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League. However, he could now be handed a swift return to Europe’s premier competition, and fate may pit him directly against Newcastle United.
Benfica turmoil opens door for Mourinho
The 2025/26 Champions League campaign began on Tuesday night with plenty of drama. Juventus and Borussia Dortmund played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in which Lloyd Kelly grabbed a last-minute equaliser. Yet the biggest shock unfolded in Portugal, where Benfica squandered a two-goal lead and ultimately lost 3-2 to Qarabag.
That disastrous defeat spelled the end for manager Bruno Lage, who was sacked in the immediate aftermath. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Benfica are now in “advanced talks” with Mourinho to bring him back to the club where he once worked as an assistant in the early stages of his coaching career. Romano claims an agreement is close, with Mourinho eager to make a swift return to the dugout after his brief unemployment.
If the deal is finalised, the timing could not be more fascinating. Newcastle and Benfica were drawn in the same Champions League group, with the Magpies scheduled to host the Portuguese giants at St James’ Park on October 21. That fixture was already earmarked as a difficult test for Eddie Howe’s men, but Mourinho’s potential presence on the touchline adds a whole new layer of intrigue.
St James’ Park: A difficult hunting ground for Mourinho
Despite his glittering résumé, Mourinho has never enjoyed much luck at St James’ Park. Throughout his managerial stints in England with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, the ground often proved a stumbling block. Newcastle supporters, well aware of this, will be eager to see if that record continues should he return with Benfica.
For Newcastle, the clash could also carry symbolic weight. The idea of facing Mourinho, a coach so closely tied to their club’s history through Sir Bobby Robson, adds both sentiment and intensity to the occasion.
Mourinho’s long-standing Newcastle links
Over the years, rumours about Mourinho taking charge of Newcastle have surfaced time and again. Sir Bobby Robson himself once wanted Mourinho to serve as his assistant at St James’ Park, with the possibility of one day succeeding him. Mourinho, however, declined that opportunity, instead forging his own path that led to Champions League glory with Porto in 2004.
Since the PIF-led takeover of Newcastle in 2021, speculation has only intensified. Mourinho’s name frequently appears in discussions whenever uncertainty surrounds the managerial position. In fact, in late 2024, reports suggested that Mourinho would be open to replacing Eddie Howe should the job become available.
That suggestion was quickly dismissed, as Howe strengthened his position by guiding Newcastle to silverware. Earlier in 2025, Howe etched his name into the club’s history books by ending their long wait for a trophy, lifting the Carabao Cup and securing his legacy among supporters.
What lies ahead
While Mourinho may never sit in the Newcastle dugout, the possibility of him leading Benfica against the Magpies ensures that their paths remain intertwined. If confirmed, the clash at St James’ Park in October could be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage — not only for its footballing significance, but for the storyline surrounding Mourinho’s return.
For Newcastle, it will be another stern test in their Champions League adventure. For Mourinho, it could be the perfect stage to remind Europe that The Special One still has plenty left to give.