Key facts
- Eddie Howe has reportedly departed as Newcastle United head coach after five years.
- Matthias Jaissle, currently coaching Saudi club Al Ahli, is expected to replace Howe.
- Howe cited a desire to take a break from football.
- The decision followed discussions between Howe and Newcastle's hierarchy.
- Howe guided Newcastle to their first major domestic trophy in 70 years, the 2025 Carabao Cup.
- Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season.
Eddie Howe has reportedly stepped down as head coach of Newcastle United with immediate effect after five years in charge, with British media suggesting Al Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle is poised to take over. The decision follows discussions between Howe and the club's hierarchy over the past 48 hours, with Howe reportedly informing the club of his desire to take a break from the managerial role.
During his tenure, Howe guided Newcastle to their first major domestic trophy in 70 years with a League Cup triumph in 2025 and secured Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025. However, the club finished 12th in the Premier League last season after suffering 17 defeats in 38 matches, and Howe's final game was a 4-1 pre-season loss to Bristol City.
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer suggested that player sales and missed transfer targets may have contributed to Howe's decision, noting the surprising timing of his exit three weeks before the Premier League season begins. Jaissle's current club, Al Ahli, and Newcastle United are both owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.