‘I can tell you’: Trophy-laden manager had ‘advanced contacts’ with Newcastle United this season

Behind the scenes of Newcastle United’s historic season, a fascinating subplot was developing that could have dramatically altered the club’s trajectory.

While Eddie Howe was engineering the Magpies’ remarkable turnaround from mid-table obscurity to Carabao Cup glory and Champions League qualification, Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri has revealed the club was simultaneously conducting advanced negotiations with Inter Milan’s trophy-laden manager Simone Inzaghi.

The revelation comes at a curious juncture, just as Newcastle fans are celebrating their most successful campaign in decades. Howe’s achievement in transforming the club’s fortunes from relegation candidates to trophy winners had prompted calls for statues and earned him “immortal” status from former Premier League manager Alan Pardew.

Yet Palmeri’s disclosure to TalkSPORT suggests the Newcastle hierarchy were quietly exploring alternatives during their mid-season slump, when a disastrous 4-2 defeat at Brentford in December left them languishing in 12th position.

Inzaghi represents precisely the caliber of elite European manager that Newcastle’s ambitious Saudi ownership might covet. The 49-year-old Italian has amassed nine trophies across his stints with Lazio and Inter Milan, including this season’s dramatic Serie A title race that saw his Inter side pipped by Napoli on the final day.

His current focus remains firmly on Saturday’s Champions League final against PSG in Munich, but Palmeri claims Newcastle weren’t alone in testing his availability – Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly held discussions, while Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have tabled a staggering £25 million per-season offer.

The timeline of these negotiations proves particularly intriguing. Palmeri suggests Newcastle’s approach likely predated their spectacular second-half-of-season resurgence, when the club’s faith in Howe appeared to waver during their winter nadir.

At that critical juncture, with pressure mounting and rumors swirling about Howe’s potential dismissal (which would have cost £9 million in compensation), the board appears to have been weighing their options carefully.

Club legend Alan Shearer remained steadfast in his support for Howe throughout the difficult period, a stance that now looks prescient given the historic achievements that followed.

Inzaghi’s potential appointment would have represented a stark philosophical shift for Newcastle. Where Howe has built his success on emotional connection and gradual progression, Inzaghi offers instant continental credibility and proven trophy-winning pedigree.

His preferred 3-5-2 system contrasts sharply with Howe’s 4-3-3, potentially requiring significant squad overhaul. The Italian’s availability also coincides with Newcastle’s new status as Champions League participants – a competition where Inzaghi has excelled, taking Inter to this year’s final against all expectations.

The financial implications of such a move would have been substantial. While Al-Hilal’s astronomical offer dwarfs anything Newcastle could realistically match, the Magpies could have offered Inzaghi something more valuable to an ambitious manager – the chance to compete in Europe’s elite competition while building a project in the world’s most watched league.

That the Italian reportedly prioritized staying at Inter above all other options speaks volumes about his current standing at the San Siro.

For Howe, this revelation could either serve as motivation or create underlying tension. Having delivered the club’s first major trophy since 1969 and secured a return to Champions League football after two decades, the Englishman has earned considerable goodwill.

Yet the knowledge that his employers were exploring alternatives during difficult times may subtly alter the dynamics of his relationship with the board.

Newcastle’s current trajectory suggests they made the correct decision in sticking with Howe. The team’s remarkable second-half revival – transforming from 12th in December to securing top-four status – demonstrated the manager’s ability to navigate adversity.

His connection with the players and understanding of the club’s culture have proven invaluable assets that an incoming manager like Inzaghi would have needed time to establish.

As Inzaghi prepares for club football’s biggest occasion this weekend, Newcastle fans can reflect on what might have been while celebrating what they ultimately achieved under Howe’s continued stewardship.

The episode serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football management – had results not improved dramatically in the new year, Newcastle might now be preparing for their Champions League campaign under very different leadership.

For the Magpies’ hierarchy, the lesson appears clear: while it’s prudent to explore all options during difficult periods, sometimes the best decision is to back the manager who understands the club’s DNA.

As Newcastle embark on their new era as trophy winners and Champions League participants, the foundations Howe has laid may prove more valuable than any short-term upgrade in the dugout.

The Inzaghi talks represent an intriguing “what if” in Newcastle’s recent history, but ultimately, the path they chose has led them to their most glorious season in generations.