The manager of Newcastle, Eddie Howe, is reportedly set to depart the club immediately, according to sources speaking to BBC Sport.
Howe faced significant pressure last season as Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League, suffering 17 defeats out of 38 matches.
His last game as manager resulted in a 4-1 loss to Bristol City during a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
Matthias Jaissle, the current manager of Saudi Pro League team Al-Ahli, is anticipated to take over as Howe’s successor.
Howe has been with Newcastle since November 2021, shortly after the Saudi Public Investment Fund acquired the club.
Sources close to the situation have suggested that Howe has been surprised by the club’s transfer activity this summer, though he recognized the need to offload players.
Earlier in the year, Howe committed to staying at St James’ Park regardless of impending sales, but his outlook shifted over the summer.
BBC Sport has learned that potential candidates to replace Howe were explored back in July, including Kieran McKenna.
It is believed that Howe informed the Newcastle board of his intent to leave around two weeks ago. Initially, the club requested that he stay on and lead for another season.
Ultimately, Newcastle accepted Howe’s decision but asked him to remain until they could find a replacement, a request he agreed to fulfill.
Sources have indicated that Howe does not have another job lined up, as his departure stems from a sense that his time at the club has come to an end. He plans to take a break from football before considering his next move.
Howe is reportedly emotional about his decision but has been contemplating it for several months.
Last summer, Newcastle invested approximately £240 million in new players, but Howe expressed frustration over losing striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
In January, he labeled Isak’s departure as “ever-challenging,” emphasizing the need for reinforcements during various press conferences.
This summer has seen him lose two key players: Sandro Tonali has moved to Tottenham, and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, while Arsenal is pursuing captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Concerns have arisen regarding how the squad is shaping up for next season amidst the ongoing transfer strategy, but this is not the sole reason behind Howe’s decision to step down.
Howe succeeded Steve Bruce and ended Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the 2025 Carabao Cup. He also led the team to Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025.
Last season, Newcastle progressed to the Champions League last 16 but was eliminated by Barcelona with an aggregate score of 8-3. Their EFL Cup defense ended in the semifinals, and league performance was disappointing after finishing fifth in the 2024-25 season.
Under Howe, Newcastle won a total of 84 out of 179 Premier League matches, with 38 draws and 57 losses. He holds the record for the most Premier League wins for a Newcastle manager, with a win percentage of 46.9%, surpassed only by Kevin Keegan.
Expected successor Jaissle has been with Al-Ahli since 2023, leading the club to consecutive AFC Champions League titles in 2024-25 and 2025-26. The 38-year-old had a playing career in Germany, primarily with Stuttgart and Hoffenheim, before transitioning to coaching roles, including leading RB Salzburg to domestic success.
Analysis
Howe will be remembered as a legend at St James’ Park, having earned the admiration of the fans. However, the current summer transfers indicate that the upcoming season might be challenging.
With stringent financial regulations, having wealthy owners does not guarantee significant spending power. Newcastle’s precarious position in this respect contributed to the decision to sell Tonali and Gordon. If Guimaraes were to leave as well, it could have driven Howe to resign.
He may perceive the squad’s direction and recruitment of largely untested players as a sign that the team could struggle in the upcoming season, reinforcing his belief that now was the right time to step away.
‘It’s a disaster’ – Newcastle fans react to Howe’s departure
Charlotte Robson, True Faith Newcastle United Podcast: The timing of this decision is perplexing. It could have been made in May at the end of the season when many quality managers were available. It was evident that Eddie needed a break, and his visible distress during poor performances was apparent. Perhaps this amicable separation would have been preferable at that juncture?
Ben: Eddie Howe reignited Newcastle’s spirit—rescuing the club from relegation, bringing back memorable Champions League moments, revitalizing players, and delivering some of the most exciting football seen at St James’ Park in years. His dedicated efforts have earned him immense respect.
Roger: This feels like a disaster. Eddie Howe has been a calm and strategic leader, crucial to the club’s progress. Finding a replacement will be tough, and currently, Newcastle seems poised for potential relegation.
Hazel: As a season-ticket holder, I’m heartbroken! Eddie Howe’s achievements in transforming the team and winning the cup were nothing short of miraculous. Despite the tumultuous end to last season with management changes, financial regulations, and injuries, he held things together reasonably well. My enthusiasm for the upcoming season has evaporated.
Tom: It’s tough to lose a manager at this point in pre-season. This setback could have long-term repercussions. Eddie connected profoundly with Newcastle and the city. Although last season was rough, he deserved more time, particularly after losing two of his star players. There’s a lack of proven Premier League experience in our recruitment; I hope I’m mistaken, but this might lead to trouble. Thank you, Eddie, for the cherished memories.
Simon: I sympathize with fans frustrated after last season, but those calling for Eddie Howe’s exit should consider what they wished for. Time will tell the outcome, and I hope we can move forward positively. Eddie deserves everyone’s best wishes for his contributions to the club.