Eddie Howe has stepped down as Newcastle United head coach with immediate effect, bringing an end to his near five-year spell at St James’ Park.
The Englishman has opted to take a break from football following an amicable agreement with the club, ending a tenure that transformed Newcastle into Champions League contenders before a difficult final campaign.
Howe’s departure comes after growing frustration behind the scenes, with the 48-year-old reportedly unhappy over the club’s transfer direction following the departures of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham. Persistent speculation surrounding captain Bruno Guimarães also added to the uncertainty.
His influence over recruitment had also diminished following the appointment of director of football Ross Wilson, who favoured a strategy centred on signing younger, emerging talents.
Newcastle endured a disappointing 2026/27 campaign, finishing 12th in the Premier League, while Howe’s final match in charge ended in a 4-1 pre-season defeat to Bristol City.
The Magpies have already identified a successor, with German coach Matthias Jaissle expected to take over.
The 38-year-old has reportedly reached advanced talks with Newcastle, and a formal agreement is expected within the next 24 hours.
Jaissle arrives with an impressive résumé after guiding Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli to consecutive AFC Champions League titles. He also won back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles during his time at Red Bull Salzburg.
His move is expected to be straightforward, with both Newcastle and Al Ahli owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The German has already submitted his resignation to Al Ahli and is expected to join Newcastle’s pre-season camp in La Manga, Spain, later this week.
Jaissle will face an immediate test, with Newcastle opening their Premier League campaign against Liverpool in less than four weeks as he begins a new era on Tyneside.
