Eddie Howe to Depart as Newcastle United Head Coach; Matthias Jaissle Expected to Take Over

By Lewis Hartnell — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

Eddie Howe is set to leave his position as Newcastle United head coach after five years in charge, with Matthias Jaissle of Al Ahli poised to replace him. Howe’s departure comes as a surprise to many, particularly with the new Premier League season approaching.

Howe led Newcastle to their first domestic trophy in 70 years with the Carabao Cup. Under his management, the club climbed from 19th in the Premier League in November 2021 to secure Champions League qualification with a fourth-place finish in one season and a top-five placing two seasons later. He also oversaw some significant nights in the Champions League.

Despite a 12th-place finish last season, which was considered a disappointment, Howe had initially decided to remain at St. James’ Park. However, he has since had a change of heart and has informed the club of his desire to take a break from football. The club and Howe reportedly maintain an amicable relationship, and Newcastle is said to be well-prepared for his exit.

Managerial Transition and Fan Reaction

Talks between Matthias Jaissle and Newcastle are reportedly at an advanced stage. Jaissle, who is 38, has managed Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, a club also majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). He previously coached Red Bull Salzburg for two seasons, winning back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles and the Austrian Cup. Jaissle joined Al-Ahli in 2023, leading them to consecutive Asian Champions League crowns.

The timing of Howe’s exit, just three weeks before the start of the Premier League season, has caused concern among fans. Anne Pontin, a fan outside St James’ Park, expressed her devastation, noting the sales of key players like Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, and speculation surrounding captain Bruno Guimaraes’ future. She believes the ground has been taken from beneath Howe’s feet.

Natasha Khatib also voiced her concern about the upcoming season, highlighting the ongoing recruitment window and the scarcity of top managers. Jake Wakefield, while acknowledging Howe’s significant achievements for the club, felt it was the right time for him to depart.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believes the club faces challenging times ahead. He suggested that the trend of selling key players, including Alexander Isak, and failing to secure transfer targets might have influenced Howe’s decision. Shearer also pointed to the failed attempts to sign players like Hugo Ekitike, Johan Manzambi, and Victor Munoz, who opted for other clubs.

Shifting Club Strategy

Alan Shearer observed a shift in Newcastle’s transfer strategy and overall club ambitions. He noted that the club’s approach now seems to involve selling top players and replacing them with younger prospects, a strategy he believes is difficult to execute successfully while remaining competitive at the top of the table. This change in model contrasts with the club’s previous aim to compete for silverware every season, particularly after finishing fourth in one season and adding players like Tonali, Harvey Barnes, and Tino Livramento to the squad.

Howe’s departure marks the end of an era that saw Newcastle transform from a team battling relegation to one competing in European competitions. His achievements, including leading the club out of the relegation zone and reaching two cup finals, are widely celebrated by supporters. However, the current situation leaves questions about the club’s direction and whether the project remains intact.

The club’s spending has always been subject to the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. The departure of key players and the manager, coupled with difficulties in securing new signings, suggests a significant change in the club’s trajectory compared to three years ago when ambitions were high.

Source: bbc.co.uk