FA Confident in Reaching Agreement with Newcastle for Eddie Howe as Southgate’s Potential Successor
FA leaders believe they can reach a financial deal with Newcastle United if they decide to appoint Eddie Howe as Gareth Southgate’s successor. The England managerial position may soon be available following a heavy defeat in the Euro 2024 final.
Southgate has come close to securing a major trophy for England twice, losing to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final and recently suffering another loss in Berlin where Spain won 2-1 with a late goal from Mikel Oyarzabal.
FA chief Mark Bullingham is scheduled to discuss the future with Southgate, who might choose to step down from the role he has held since 2016 after this latest disappointment.
The Times reports that Howe is a top candidate on the FA’s shortlist. Other potential candidates include Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter, both of whom are currently unemployed, making their appointment theoretically easier and cheaper.
However, this is not the case for Howe, who has been managing Saudi-owned Newcastle for nearly three years. A significant compensation package would likely be necessary to secure the 46-year-old, but the FA is reportedly optimistic about reaching an agreement.
Howe led Newcastle to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League in 2022/23, securing Champions League qualification, and managed to achieve seventh place the following season despite dealing with numerous injuries.