Newcastle eyeing two Premier League legends as next manager after Saudi takeover

Shockwaves were sent through the Premier League on Thursday, as it was announced that Newcastle United have officially been sold to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. 

The news signalled the end of Mike Ashley’s infamous 14-year tenure as owner of the Magpies, and sparked mass celebrations outside St. James’ Park.

Now, talk has turned to the potential transfers that the club could make, considering that the owners’ combined wealth is believed to be as much as 13-times that of the Manchester City owners.

While any marquee transfers will have to wait until January, it appears that the new owners of Newcastle are not going to waste any time when it comes to the club’s manager.

It is believed that current boss Steve Bruce will be sacked in the coming days, and two Premier League legends are reportedly in the running to succeed him.

According to The Telegraph, both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are being considered as potential replacements for Bruce.

The report suggests that current Rangers boss Gerrard, who played over 500 times in the Premier League, is being considered by the Magpies having impressed during his time in Scotland so far.

Frank Lampard guided Chelsea to the FA Cup final in 2020.

The former Liverpool captain has enjoyed great success since taking on his first senior managerial role in 2018, ending Celtic’s near decade-long spell of domination by winning the Scottish Premiership title in 2021.

Lampard, meanwhile, has already had a taste of Premier League experience as a manager, taking charge of former club Chelsea in 2019 before being sacked less than two years later.

The former England international, who remains the highest scoring midfielder in Premier League history and Chelsea’s all time top goal scorer, also guided Derby Country to the Championship Play-off final in 2019.

While Bruce’s future has now been cast into doubt, the former Manchester United defender remains in charge at St. James’ Park at the time of writing and could still be given the chance to change the club’s fortunes.

Newcastle are currently winless in the Premier League and sit second from bottom.