Rafael Benitez Odds-On Favorite to Be Newcastle’s Next Permanent Manager

• With new management from Saudi Arabia set to take over Newcastle, a complete overhaul is likely in the coming months
• Steve Bruce could be sacked and former manager Rafael Benitez is the current favorite to take over once again at St. James Park
• Get the full odds for the Magpies next gaffer below

Mike Ashley’s 13-year tenure as owner of Newcastle looks to be coming to an end with the club ready to sell to a Saudi Arabian investment group for a reported $340 million euros. Ashley, who’s been an unpopular figure amongst Newcastle supporters for numerous years now, has been trying to sell the club for quite some time and finally looks to have found a possible buyer.

With that being said, the potential Saudi Arabian owners bring in a lot of money which could definitely result in many transfers happening in the next few months. As the Magpies seek their return to Premier League relevance, we could see some big-name players suiting up in the black and white next season.

The first name to appear on the chopping block at Newcastle is current boss Steve Bruce, who is expected to be canned sooner rather than later. In the latest odds, former skipper Rafael Benitez is a heavy favorite to return to his former club, where he was in charge from 2016-19.

Next Newcastle Manager Odds

Odds taken April 28

A Closer Look at the Potential Candidates

Several names have surfaced as possible replacements for Bruce, with Benitez, former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, and former Juve gaffer Massimiliano Allegri all in the discussion as the next Magpies manager.

Benitez left St. James last season after three years as the main man, now serving as the boss of Chinese Super League side Dalian FC. When the Spaniard left in 2019, he took former Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon with him to the Chinese club. Players who explore opportunities in China usually don’t return to Europe after and honestly, I see the same thing happening with Benitez, even though he’s a manager.  The level of competition is much lower over there and frankly, the 60-year old had his time with the Magpies. I do believe they should be looking at someone else to turn things around at the club.

Pochettino enjoyed a very successful five-year spell with Tottenham before his dismissal in November of 2019 after a trail of poor results. However, the Argentine guided Spurs to a Champions League final last season and has lots of Premier League experience behind him. He continues to be one of the hottest unemployed skippers on the continent right now and with the necessary funds coming in with the new owners, Newcastle would have no problem paying him. Pochettino could be the perfect replacement for Bruce.

Allegri was one of the best managers in the world at one point, leading Juventus four consecutive domestic doubles from 2015-18 after taking over in ’14. Juve and the 52-year old agreed to part ways after the 2019 season and he still remains jobless. With most of his success as a gaffer coming primarily in Italy, there could be skepticism that he could excel in the Premier League. However, Allegri still has the third-best odds to win the job.

Pochettino is Best Bet

Even though Benitez is the favorite, I do believe that Newcastle’s new owners should look elsewhere for their next manager. Pochettino would be a marvelous fit for the club and the first step to revamping their squad as they seek to bring in new talent. He is a well-respected name across Europe and would definitely help the Magpies attract certain players to the side.

Pick: Mauricio Pochettino +250