When Mauricio Pochettino left Tottenham, it seemed his availability would loom large over the managers of Europe’s elite clubs.
Since then, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has solidified his position at Manchester United, and Juventus have plumped for the inexperienced Andrea Pirlo.
Now, it’s not as clear where Pochettino will end up. Could he end up doing the same rebuilding job he undertook at Tottenham?
Or will he land a role managing established stars at a club with financial clout? We’ve looked at three roles, with varying briefs, he could take next.
Newcastle
There was a point this summer when Newcastle looked as if they could enter the summer transfer window with serious clout.
It looks set to be a more austere summer now the takeover is off, but Pochettino has worked with a tight budget before.
The Argentine comes across as someone who needs to connect with a club, its community and feel its passion.
If Pochettino wants to follow his mentor Marcelo Bielsa’s lead and take over one of England’s sleeping giants, Newcastle might just make sense.
Mike Ashley remains a problem, but Pochettino worked within Daniel Levy’s financial constraints and created a squad of Champions League finalists.
Everton
Obviously Everton have an outstanding manager in Carlo Ancelotti, but he doesn’t feel like a long-term option.
If the Italian can raise standards around the club, Pochettino would be the ideal successor to take that work on and create lasting success.
Alternatively, Ancelotti may not succeed at Everton, or of course walk away.
Pochettino’s high-octane football should marry well with what the Goodison Park faithful want, but this isn’t going to happen overnight.
That Everton are on this list when they have such a good current manager neatly outlines how Pochettino’s options have dwindled since his stock was so high before the Champions League final in 2019.
Paris Saint-Germain
Pochettino used to play for the French champions, in an era before their mega-rich owners took over.
Thomas Tuchel is tasked with delivering Champions League glory and they will be favourites to beat RB Leipzig and reach the final.
Failure to do that could see him pay with his job in the manner of Maurizio Sari at Juventus, and open the door for Pochettino.
Of course, if PSG lift the famous trophy, Pochettino won’t be heading there either.
The Sun reported in July Pochettino turned down Monaco and is looking for the right project.
For someone who had such a good reputation even when he left Spurs, it is striking how there are no longer obvious next destinations for Pochettino.
His next move will be intriguing.
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