Newcastle United is set for a seismic change just over three weeks before the start of the new Premier League season.
After months of speculation surrounding his future, and after committing to Newcastle for the upcoming season at the end of last campaign, Eddie Howe has decided to leave St. James’ Park.
The news brings an end to a five-year spell that transformed the club and delivered its first major domestic trophy in seven decades, but that also saw the Magpies return to their lowest point after
finishing 12th with just 49 points in the Premier League last season.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein was first to report the decision has already been made, while naming Howe’s replacement at the helm.
“Eddie Howe is set to leave his position as Newcastle United head coach, with Matthias Jaissle of Al Ahli poised to replace him,” Ornstein reported.
The report adds that Howe, who had previously committed his future to Newcastle at the end of last season, informed the club of a change in plans during the past 48 hours and just a few days from the start of training camp in La Manga.
“Howe decided to remain at St. James’ Park at the end of last season but has since had a change of heart and will depart in the coming days after five years in charge,” Ornstein reported. “The 48-year-old… has told the club he wants to take a break from football.”
According to Ornstein, the transition was brewing behind the scenes.
“The situation is amicable, and Newcastle are well prepared for his exit, with talks between Jaissle and the club at an advanced stage,” Ornstein reported.
The 38-year-old German arrives after winning consecutive AFC Champions League titles with Al Ahli, another club majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which is as smelly as it feels.
Howe leaves Newcastle as one of the most successful managers in the club’s modern history, having guided the Magpies away from relegation, qualified twice for the Champions League and ended the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by lifting the 2025 Carabao Cup. His departure, however, comes amid a turbulent summer that has already seen Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali leave and uncertainty continue over captain Bruno Guimaraes’ future.
