Eddie Howe has left his role as Newcastle United manager with immediate effect after nearly five years in charge, the club confirmed on July 30 or 31, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Howe was appointed in November 2021, replacing Steve Bruce, and led Newcastle through a period of steady improvement and success [1, 3, 4].
Under Howe, Newcastle landed their first major domestic trophy in 70 years by winning the Carabao Cup in March 2025. The team also qualified for the UEFA Champions League twice, in 2023 and 2025 [1, 2, 3]. Newcastle climbed from 19th place in November 2021 to finish as high as fourth, seventh, and fifth in subsequent seasons before a disappointing 12th-place finish in the 2025-26 Premier League season, which included 17 defeats in 38 matches [1, 2, 3, 5, 4, 6].
Howe’s final match in charge was a 4-1 pre-season friendly loss to Bristol City on July 29, 2026 [1, 3, 4]. He reportedly chose to step down to "recharge and take a break" after personal reflection. Howe said, "After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break." He added, "I have always put the best interests of Newcastle before my own in every single decision I have made whilst I’ve been here and this one is no different." [6, 7]
German coach Matthias Jaissle, manager of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, is the frontrunner to succeed Howe at Newcastle [2, 3, 8]. Both Newcastle and Al-Ahli are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) [2, 3, 8]. Jaissle, 38, previously led RB Salzburg to multiple Austrian league and cup titles and won consecutive Asian Champions League trophies with Al-Ahli in 2025 and 2026 [8]. He is known for his high-pressing, attacking style and played as a central defender during his playing career [8].
Newcastle’s recent transfer activity includes the sales of Alexander Isak to Liverpool for £125 million, Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona [9, 5, 4]. Speculation continues over captain Bruno Guimaraes’ future amid concerns about losing key players. Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer said, "You cannot keep on selling your best players and then hope to be in contention at the top of the table - I hope I'm wrong but it is probably inevitable that Bruno will be next to leave." [5]
Newcastle will begin their search for Howe’s successor immediately as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season. [6]
