Jose Luis Mendilibar emerges as candidate for Espanyol and Fenerbahce coaching positions

Following his departure from Olympiacos, Spanish manager Jose Luis Mendilibar has become a primary target for several European football clubs. As of October 28, 2026, reports from Spain confirm that the 65-year-old coach is one of two main candidates to replace Manolo Gonzalez at Espanyol. The managerial change in Barcelona follows Espanyol's poor start in La Liga and a shocking elimination from the Copa del Rey at the hands of fourth-division side Sestao on October 27, 2026.

In addition to the Espanyol vacancy, Mendilibar is reportedly being considered by the Turkish club Fenerbahce. The Turkish side is seeking a new manager following the departure of Ismail Kartal, with several local media outlets identifying the Basque coach as their top choice. While Espanyol is also evaluating Julen Lopetegui as an alternative to Mendilibar, the coach remains a free agent, making him a highly accessible option for teams seeking experienced leadership during the current mid-season transition period.