Chelsea Sound Out Eddie Howe as Managerial Search Continues After Maresca Exit

Chelsea have reportedly made an exploratory approach for Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe as they continue their search for a new manager following the departure of Enzo Maresca.

Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge came to an abrupt end on New Year’s Day, bringing his 18-month spell in charge to a close. The decision followed a period of internal tension, with reports of growing disagreements between the Italian coach and Chelsea’s senior hierarchy.

Attention has since turned to potential successors, with Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior widely viewed as a leading candidate. Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, the same consortium that controls Chelsea, a connection that has intensified speculation around Rosenior’s future.

However, according to the Sunday Express, Chelsea have also taken steps to assess the availability of Howe. The report claims that initial contact has been made with representatives of the Newcastle manager, signalling genuine interest from the London club.

It is understood that Chelsea’s board hold Howe in particularly high regard and would be prepared to offer the 48-year-old a substantial salary increase should he consider a move to Stamford Bridge. Despite this interest, any deal would be complex, with Howe under contract at Newcastle for more than three years.

Howe has been in charge at St James’ Park for over four years and has played a pivotal role in the club’s recent resurgence. Most notably, he guided Newcastle to their first domestic silverware in seven decades with victory in last season’s Carabao Cup final, cementing his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most respected coaches.

Meanwhile, Rosenior was again questioned about his future following Strasbourg’s 1-1 draw with Nice on Saturday evening. When asked whether the match could be his final game in charge of the Ligue 1 side, the 39-year-old offered a cautious response.

“I honestly don’t know,” Rosenior said. “You never know what might happen in life. The connection I have with this group is difficult to describe. I feel loved here and I’ve loved this job from the very beginning.

“There are no concrete discussions and nothing is settled. My focus is entirely on the team and the club. It’s a magnificent club in a beautiful city, with wonderful people. Whatever happens, I truly want the best for Strasbourg.”

Chelsea are expected to continue assessing their options in the coming days as they weigh up experience, long-term vision and club alignment in their next managerial appointment.