Eddie Howe departs Newcastle United; PIF-backed Jaissle to lead bold, youthful project

Eddie Howe is set to leave his role as Newcastle United manager with immediate effect.

Howe will depart St James' Park after five years in charge, with the decision made this week. The 48-year-old had considered his position last season, but decided to remain on for the upcoming campaign.

However, Howe has now informed the club that he wants to take a break from football after a change of heart.

Howe was appointed as Newcastle manager in November 2021, and led the struggling side to safety. He has since twice guided Newcastle toChampions League qualification, with the club returning to the competition for the first time in two decades, and lifted the League Cup in 2025. That success ended Newcastle's 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.

However, last season saw Newcastle struggle to replicate recent performances. The Magpies slumped to a 12th-place finish in thePremier League, the lowest of Howe's reign. Newcastle also suffered a humbling Champions League exit to Barcelona, losing 8-2 on aggregate.

Eddie Howe steps down at Newcastle with immediate effect after trophy-winning tenure; Matthias Jaissle poised to replace him

The Athletic are reporting that Al-Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle is set to be named as Howe's successor.

Jaissle has won back-to-back AFC Champions League titles with Al-Ahli, who are majority owned by Newcastle's ownership, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The German previously coached Red Bull Salzburg to successive Austrian Bundesliga titles.

Jaissle will oversee a new era at Newcastle, who have undergone transition this summer. The Magpies have sold senior figures in Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, while captain Bruno Guimaraes has expressed his interest in an exit, amid an approach from Arsenal.

Newcastle have invested heavily in emerging talent during the current window, making four signings all under the age of 21.