Howe Leaves Role As Newcastle Manager

Eddie Howe has left his position as Newcastle United manager with immediate effect, according to sources close to the club, with Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle emerging as the frontrunner to replace him.

The decision comes after a turbulent 2025-26 Premier League campaign that saw the Magpies slump to 12th place, losing 17 of 38 matches. Howe’s tenure effectively ended with a 4-1 preseason friendly defeat to Bristol City on Wednesday.

Howe, 48, had grown frustrated with the club’s summer transfer strategy, sources say, particularly after the forced sales of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool and midfielder Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, along with Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona. While he initially accepted the need to sell players to comply with financial rules, his stance hardened as the exit list grew.

The manager’s departure marks a swift end to a largely successful reign that began in November 2021, shortly after the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s takeover. Howe delivered the club’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years with the 2025 Carabao Cup, secured Champions League qualification twice, and recorded more Premier League wins (84) than any other Newcastle manager.

Expected successor Jaissle, 38, has won back-to-back AFC Champions League titles with Al-Ahli since taking over in 2023. The German former defender previously claimed consecutive Austrian Bundesliga and Cup doubles at RB Salzburg.

Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson had dismissed managerial change speculation as recently as March, but the club now appears poised to move swiftly with Jaissle as Howe’s permanent replacement.