Newcastle United is preparing for a challenging period following the departure of manager Eddie Howe, who leaves the club after nearly five years. Howe’s exit comes three weeks into pre-season, with the Premier League set to resume in three weeks. His decision follows discussions with the club’s hierarchy, though he had reportedly considered a potential departure weeks prior.
Howe’s tenure saw Newcastle achieve significant milestones, including winning the Carabao Cup in 2025, marking the club’s first major trophy since 1969. Under his leadership, the team also participated in Champions League campaigns. He took charge in November 2021 when the club was 19th in the Premier League, five points from safety after 11 games. Howe is credited with keeping the team in the league that year.
The manager’s departure has been linked to the sale of key players, including Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali. Speculation also surrounds the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes. These player movements, coupled with a series of failed transfer attempts for targets like Hugo Ekitike, Johan Manzambi, and Victor Munoz, have raised concerns among supporters.
Howe’s impact and legacy
Howe will be remembered as a club legend for bringing the first silverware in 70 years to St James’ Park and for reuniting the fanbase. He led the team to two Champions League campaigns, including a 4-1 victory over PSG. Despite a 12th-place finish last season, which was seen as a disappointment, Howe is not blamed for this outcome.
The club’s transfer strategy appears to have shifted, moving from aiming to compete with top teams to selling key players and replacing them with younger prospects. This change in approach, along with the manager’s exit, suggests a new direction for the club. Howe himself reportedly questioned whether it was time for a change and felt he had taken the club as far as he could.
Reports indicate that Howe was exhausted after nearly five years at the helm and had not fully recovered from being hospitalised with pneumonia last April. He conveyed his decision to his backroom staff after a pre-season defeat at Bristol City.
Looking ahead for Newcastle
Matthias Jaissle, 38, is expected to be appointed as Howe’s successor. Jaissle previously managed Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia and had two years in charge of RB Salzburg. He is described as an energetic, front-foot manager whose style is similar to Howe’s, potentially suiting the existing squad.
Jaissle is anticipated to join the squad in La Manga. The appointment comes with the Premier League season opener against Liverpool at home just 24 days away.
Newcastle’s sporting director Ross Wilson reportedly suggested Jaissle to PIF, having previously appointed Ralf Hassenhuttl from the Red Bull Group during his time at Southampton. The club’s hierarchy was not surprised by Howe’s departure, having diligently worked on finding a replacement for over two weeks.
The club’s spending has always had to comply with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. However, the current situation, with key players being sold and the manager leaving, has led to concerns about the team’s ability to compete at the top of the table.
Howe’s final statement, made last night, was: "every day I’m in charge of Newcastle is a great day."
Source: bbc.com
