Gareth Southgate and His Next Job in Management: Rumour, Reality, and the Road Ahead

Gareth Southgate, the former England manager who stepped down in 2024 after eight years, remains jobless in club management but is content with life away from the bench. Despite persistent rumours linking him to Premier League vacancies, insiders reveal he has no immediate plans to return, enjoying speaking engagements and other ventures outside the intense scrutiny of management.[1][2]

Rumours Swirl Around Premier League Clubs

Speculation has intensified following several high-profile sackings. Tottenham Hotspur recently dismissed Thomas Frank, with Southgate emerging as a "shock contender" according to reports, though his interest appears minimal.[1][3] Manchester United, assessing options beyond interim boss Michael Carrick, have long admired the 55-year-old but won't rush a hire; names like Luis Enrique and Carlo Ancelotti are also in the mix. Southgate's past links with United predate Erik ten Hag's tenure, yet he opted for a UEFA technical observer role instead.[1][4]

Even Leicester City, battling relegation in the Championship after a points deduction and parting with Marti Cifuentes, has been tipped as a possibility. Some outlets label him a frontrunner, but experts dismiss it outright: the job's turbulence makes it unappealing, and Southgate seeks bigger challenges if he returns at all.[2][5]

Reality: A Deliberate Break

Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast emphasizes Southgate's satisfaction post-England, where he achieved Euro finals and a World Cup semi-final but no trophies. He's "more than happy" out of the spotlight, focusing on non-football work. A Middlesbrough stint ended in 2025 with sacking after a poor season, reinforcing his cautious approach.[1][2][4]

The Road Ahead

While a long-term comeback can't be ruled out—potentially at a top club—immediate moves are off the table. Southgate's legacy as an England reformer endures, but for now, he's charting a path beyond the touchline, letting rumours chase him while he enjoys the respite.[1][2]

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