Newcastle United are set for a major change in the dugout, with Eddie Howe expected to leave St James’ Park after nearly five years in charge. BBC Sport reports that the English coach will depart with immediate effect, ending one of the most transformative managerial spells in the club’s recent history.
The Newcastle manager is understood to have informed the club of his desire to step down around two weeks ago after months of reflection over the team’s direction. Saudi Pro League coach Matthias Jaissle is now expected to take over as Newcastle prepare for a new era.
Howe’s exit follows a difficult 2025-26 campaign, during which Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League despite significant investment in the squad.
Eddie Howe Set to End Successful Newcastle Spell
Eddie Howe arrived at Newcastle in November 2021 shortly after the club’s takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. At the time, Newcastle were battling relegation, but Howe quickly transformed the club’s fortunes.
During his time at St James’ Park, he guided Newcastle back into the Champions League and delivered the club’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years by winning the 2025 Carabao Cup.
His attacking style of football and ability to improve players earned widespread praise, making him one of the most successful Newcastle manager appointments in the Premier League era.
However, after almost five years in charge, both the club and manager now appear ready for a fresh start.
Why Eddie Howe Is Leaving Newcastle
According to reports, Eddie Howe does not have another managerial position lined up.
Instead, sources suggest his decision has been driven by a belief that his time at Newcastle has naturally reached its conclusion. The 48-year-old is expected to take a break from football before deciding on the next chapter of his career.
Several factors reportedly influenced Howe’s thinking.
While he understood Newcastle’s need to balance their finances through player sales, he is believed to have become increasingly concerned about the club’s transfer strategy this summer.
The departures of several key players have significantly altered the squad.
Striker Alexander Isak left for Liverpool, while Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur and Anthony Gordon completed a move to Barcelona. Club captain Bruno Guimaraes has also attracted strong interest from Arsenal.
Although Newcastle invested heavily in new signings a year earlier, Howe reportedly questioned whether the current squad would remain competitive enough to challenge at the highest level.
Difficult Season Increased Pressure
Last season proved disappointing for both Eddie Howe and Newcastle.
The Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League after suffering 17 defeats in 38 league matches. Their campaign ended with a heavy 4-1 defeat to Bristol City in a pre-season friendly, which now appears likely to be Howe’s final match in charge.
Despite the league struggles, Newcastle still reached the Champions League knockout stages before losing 8-3 on aggregate to Barcelona.
Their attempt to retain the Carabao Cup also ended in the semi-finals.
Ultimately, the domestic campaign failed to meet expectations following consecutive seasons of progress.
Eddie Howe’s Legacy at Newcastle
Regardless of how his tenure ends, Eddie Howe leaves behind an impressive legacy.
Across 179 Premier League matches, he recorded 84 wins, 38 draws, and 57 defeats
His 84 Premier League victories are the most achieved by any Newcastle manager, while his 46.9% win percentage is surpassed only by club legend Kevin Keegan.
More importantly, Howe helped restore Newcastle’s reputation among England’s elite clubs.
He guided the team to Champions League qualification in both 2023 and 2025 while ending the club’s seven-decade wait for a major domestic trophy.
Those achievements significantly raised expectations for the future of the club.
Matthias Jaissle Expected to Replace Eddie Howe
Newcastle are expected to appoint Matthias Jaissle as Howe’s successor.
The 38-year-old currently manages Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli, where he has enjoyed remarkable success since arriving in 2023.
Under Jaissle, Al Ahli won consecutive AFC Champions League titles in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, establishing the German coach as one of Europe’s brightest young managers working abroad.
Before moving to Saudi Arabia, Jaissle built an impressive reputation with Austrian side RB Salzburg.
He succeeded Jesse Marsch in 2021 and guided Salzburg to back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles as well as Austrian Cup success.
His coaching journey began after a playing career that was cut short by injury at just 25 years of age.
After working as an assistant at Danish club Brondby, Jaissle managed Liefering before earning promotion to Salzburg’s first team.
What Jaissle Could Bring to Newcastle
Should the appointment be confirmed, Jaissle would inherit a squad undergoing significant transition.
His teams are known for high-intensity pressing, quick attacking football and developing younger players, qualities that align with Newcastle’s long-term ambitions.
However, one of his first challenges will be rebuilding a squad that has already lost several influential players during the summer transfer window.
Supporters will also expect the new Newcastle manager to return the club to European qualification after last season’s disappointing league finish.
What Comes Next?
Newcastle are expected to finalize Howe’s departure before officially confirming Matthias Jaissle as the club’s new head coach.
For Eddie Howe, the decision brings an emotional end to one of the most memorable managerial spells in Newcastle’s modern history. He leaves having transformed the club from relegation candidates into trophy winners and Champions League participants.
Meanwhile, Newcastle now enter a new chapter under what is expected to be fresh leadership, with Jaissle tasked with restoring momentum and guiding the Magpies back into contention among English football’s elite.
