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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to leave the Premier League club with immediate effect after deciding to step away from football, bringing an end to his five-year spell at St James’ Park just weeks before the start of the 2026/27 season.
The development comes as a major surprise after Howe had been overseeing Newcastle’s pre-season preparations, including Wednesday’s 4-1 friendly defeat to Bristol City.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano first reported that Newcastle and Howe had agreed to part ways with “immediate effect”, adding that discussions had already begun over the appointment of a successor.
Shortly afterwards, David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that the 48-year-old had informed Newcastle’s hierarchy of his decision to take a break from football, despite initially being expected to remain in charge for the new campaign.
According to the reports, Al Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle has emerged as Newcastle’s preferred candidate to replace Howe. The 38-year-old German coach, who currently manages the Saudi Pro League side owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is understood to be in advanced talks with the club.
Newcastle are yet to issue an official statement confirming Howe’s departure.
Howe’s exit follows a difficult summer for the Magpies, who have endured a challenging transfer window. Midfield star Sandro Tonali and winger Anthony Gordon have both departed the club, while captain Bruno Guimarães has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.
Despite the squad upheaval, Howe leaves with a place in Newcastle’s modern history. He guided the club to its first major domestic trophy in 70 years by winning the 2025 Carabao Cup with victory over Liverpool at Wembley. He also secured UEFA Champions League qualification on two occasions during his tenure.
However, Newcastle struggled to build on those achievements last season, finishing 12th in the Premier League after winning only five of their final 17 league matches. The disappointing campaign reportedly prompted extensive internal reviews involving the club’s hierarchy and representatives of the Saudi-backed ownership group.
Although Newcastle’s leadership ultimately decided to retain Howe, reports indicate the former Bournemouth manager later informed the club of his intention to step down.
Should Jaissle’s appointment be finalised, Newcastle would be turning to one of Europe’s highly rated young coaches. The former Hoffenheim defender previously led Red Bull Salzburg to two Austrian Bundesliga titles and a domestic double before moving to Al Ahli in 2023. During his time in Saudi Arabia, he has won the AFC Champions League twice while recording 90 victories in 138 matches, establishing a reputation for an aggressive, attack-minded style of football.
Newcastle will now seek to complete the managerial transition swiftly as preparations continue for the new Premier League season.
