Aston Villa surprisingly is eyeing the former England boss candidate as Unai Emery’s replacement if the Spaniard opts to leave.
Villa might have to get ready for a big change in the summer. Not only in the squad, but it could be at the managerial level as well. It is due to the fact that their current boss, Unai Emery, has been the target of not just one but two of their rivals, Manchester United and the Lions’ contender in the UCL next season, Real Madrid.
Apparently, Aston Villa have prepared his potential successor. According to the report in Givemesport, they have identified the manager who is currently under pressure in his own club following their dismal domestic campaign as they went to exit from the Champions League this season: Eddie Howe.
Eddie Howe arrived in St James’ Park at the beginning of the PIF era. He replaced Steve Bruce after the Saudi takeover and soon helped them to avoid relegation in 2020/21.
The former Bournemouth boss has guided them to the Champions League group stage and league phase twice, with the latter campaign ending in the round of 16. He also led them to win the EFL League Cup 2025, which put an end to the club’s 70-year title drought.
Sadly, Newcastle’s campaign is unlike before. They have been stranded in the mid-lower table. Howe’s future begins to be under scrutiny as Bruno Guimarães and Co. are unlikely to play in any European competitions next season.
The manager who was once considered by the FA to succeed Gareth Southgate before he opted to stay with the Toon Army is one fine candidate. He could be switching sides to Villa Park should the PIF decide not to continue his work in Northumbria.
The real concern is whether Emery really is keen on taking charge of any of those big clubs. There has been no confirmation yet if the former Villarreal boss will leave for any of those offers.
United has been interested in him since last summer when they considered replacing Ruben Amorin, whereas Los Blancos are looking for a permanent manager rather than the caretaker Alvaro Arbeloa to take charge of Kylian Mbappe and Co. next season. Yet, he is not the only one. The former Madrid boss, Jose Mourinho, is still tipped as the top candidate.
Nevertheless, judging from his managerial career, Emery tends to fail or does not impress much while being at the helm of the elite team with big-name players in the dressing room. His spells at Arsenal and PSG prove such a tendency. Meanwhile, when he has total control of the team, Emery thrives, just like what he did in Valencia, Sevilla, Villarreal and now with the Clarets and Blues.
Therefore, it will be interesting to see if Emery really leaves, especially after delivering the Europa League title, or sticks here at least till his contract expires. The club’s financial situation could be the decisive factor too, as he once complained about the lack of funds to build his team as he wanted.
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