Eddie Howe has departed Newcastle United, the club confirmed on 30 July 2026, bringing an end to a five-year tenure that reshaped the club’s fortunes. The 48-year-old’s exit comes just weeks before the new Premier League season kicks off.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Howe informed Newcastle of his decision within the past 48 hours, telling the club he wants a break from football after almost five years in the job. The departure is described as amicable, with Newcastle said to be well prepared for the transition.
What Howe Achieved at St James’ Park
Howe took charge in November 2021, inheriting a side sitting 19th in the Premier League and facing a genuine relegation battle. He stabilised the club that season, finishing 11th, before guiding them to a fourth-place finish in 2022-23 — their best Premier League result in two decades and enough to return Champions League football to Tyneside for the first time since 2002.
The peak of his reign came in 2025. Newcastle beat Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup, their first major domestic honour in 70 years, with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak among the key contributors on the day.
A Difficult Final Season
Last campaign ended in sharp contrast to those highs. Newcastle finished 12th with 49 points and missed out on European qualification entirely. The summer has brought further upheaval: Anthony Gordon was sold to Barcelona, Sandro Tonali departed for Tottenham, and captain Bruno Guimaraes — valued at around £70 million — has been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Newcastle’s summer recruitment has focused on youth. None of their new arrivals, including Aladji Bamba and Bazoumana Toure, are older than 20.
Howe’s decision to leave also follows a 4-1 pre-season defeat to Bristol City on 29 July, though sources indicate the split had been building ahead of the club’s training camp in La Manga.
Jaissle Poised to Replace Howe
Ornstein reported that Matthias Jaissle is set to take over at St James’ Park. The 38-year-old German currently manages Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, another club with significant Saudi ownership ties, and has won back-to-back AFC Champions League titles there. Talks between Jaissle and Newcastle are described as being at an advanced stage.
Howe had previously committed to staying at Newcastle beyond last season but changed his mind in recent days. The club has not yet issued an official statement on the departure.
