Jose Mourinho could be hired by four Premier League clubs after come-and-get-me plea

The sight of Jose Mourinho ranting about referees after being sent to the stands in the Europa League might have triggered some feelings of nostalgia for some Premier League fans eager to see him return to the Premier League.

Hours later, the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss – now at Fenerbahce – confirmed his desire to do exactly that when his contract expires in 2026, or even before then.

“The best thing I have to do is when I leave Fenerbahce, I go to a club that doesn’t play in UEFA competition,” he said. “So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I’m ready to go.”

After hinting he would like to join a smaller club, Mourinho’s admission will put several teams on alert. But where would he fit the bill? Express Sport looks at four possible destinations.

West Ham

Where Julen Lopetegui is currently flailing, Mourinho could well be sailing.

Both parties are in need of some reinvigoration after a poor start to the season and West Ham supporters already seem to be losing patience with Lopetegui.

Mourinho’s family settled in west London from when he first moved to England to take charge of Chelsea. Making the short journey to the eastern side of the capital might appeal to the 61-year-old.

The opportunity to work with the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, as well as getting backing in the transfer market, could make the Hammers an attractive proposition.

Wolves

The influence that Jorge Mendes holds behind the scenes at Molineux is significant when it comes to deciding where Mourinho goes next, because he is represented by the Portuguese super agent’s company Gestifute.

There are a number of Portuguese players at the club too, with Nelson Semedo, Toti and Jose Sa all belonging to Mendes’ agency.

With murmurs of discontent surrounding Gary O’Neil’s reign as they sit rock bottom of the league, the only way is up for Wolves. What’s more, Mourinho’s preference for a more disciplined style of play could help them tighten up at the back.

However, the idea of a relegation tarnishing his record may convince him to wait until the end of the season to see if Wolves recover.

Crystal Palace

Things quickly get forgotten in football, but fans never forget a time when a rival manager makes a point of praising their support.

Mourinho has already demonstrated that he can turn on the charm after crediting Palace’s supporters during their match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which took place nearly 11 years ago. But now that he is harbouring for a return to England, those comments could resurface and put in a positive light towards the Eagles.

“[Palace fans are] fantastic, fantastic, fantastic fans. They support their team till the end, they pushed them all the time,” he said. “I like it a lot when away matches the supporters go strong with the team.”

Oliver Glasner’s position isn’t under any immediate threat, but with one win in eight this season, he needs to start turning things around. Much like an eagle, Mourinho would soon swoop to take the job if it cropped up.

Newcastle

Mourinho spent big at Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Inter Milan. Even at Roma, the Giallorossi splashed out record figures in the transfer market, while his current club Fenerbahce have stretched their wage budget to bring in stars such as Allan Saint-Maximin and Fred.

The point is ‘The Special One’ likes working for club chairmen with deep pockets. And few could argue Newcastle’s owners, the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF), wouldn’t be willing to back him in the transfer market if they got him on board.

Of course, Eddie Howe might have something to say about the impressive job he has done there. But the opportunity to hire a three-time Premier League champion and Champions League winner may be too good to pass up – although Newcastle don’t exactly match the ‘small club’ criteria set out by Mourinho.