Some situations deteriorate quietly at first.
A result here, a dropped point there.
Then suddenly the mood shifts and questions that once seemed premature start feeling entirely reasonable.
And now, one of the most iconic names in football management has entered the conversation.
Newcastle United eye Jose Mourinho, in sensational return to English football
According to talkSPORT, Jose Mourinho has emerged as a genuine contender to take over at St James’ Park if Newcastle decide to part ways with Howe at the end of the season.
The 63-year-old is currently managing Benfica, where his contract runs until 2027.
Though crucially, both parties hold the option to terminate the agreement at the end of this campaign.
That detail changes everything.
Newcastle’s Saudi owners are said to be increasingly drawn to the idea of a high profile appointment.
Mourinho ticks every box in terms of name and track record.
Three Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, cementing his status as one of the most decorated managers to ever work in this country.
A move to Newcastle would be his fifth stint in English football, arguably his most intriguing.
Howe still has credit in the bank.
Delivering the League Cup and steering the club into the Champions League represented genuine progress for a side that was battling relegation not long ago.
But the current trajectory is difficult to ignore, and the ambitions of the ownership have always pointed towards something bigger.
Roberto Mancini is also said to be on the shortlist, alongside other names being considered internally.
There are complications with Mourinho too.
Financial fair play constraints mean he may not have the kind of transfer budget he’s historically relied upon to rebuild quickly.
Whether that sits comfortably with the Newcastle faithful remains a genuine question.
But for an ownership group that wants results and wants the world to take notice; Mourinho’s name alone sends a message.
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