Newcastle United Manager Eddie Howe Nears Exit; Matthias Jaissle Emerges as Top Candidate

Just weeks before the Premier League season begins, Newcastle United is on the verge of a significant coaching change. Eddie Howe, the club’s English manager, is close to ending his five-year run with the Magpies. Meanwhile, negotiations are well advanced with Matthias Jaissle, currently managing Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, to take over the reins.

Eddie Howe's Decision to Step Down

According to a report from The Athletic, 48-year-old Howe has informed the Newcastle board of his intention to step away from football temporarily to rest. This decision comes despite his earlier wishes to continue after last season. Discussions have been friendly, and the club already has plans to handle his departure smoothly.

Jaissle Poised to Take Charge

Talks between Newcastle and Matthias Jaissle are reportedly at an advanced stage. The German coach leads Al-Ahli, where contract renewal talks have stalled due to disagreements on some terms. Notably, both clubs share the same majority owner: Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

About Matthias Jaissle

• Age: 38
• Current Club: Al-Ahli (Saudi Pro League)
• Achievements: Led Al-Ahli to AFC Champions League Elite titles in 2025 and 2026
• Previous Experience: Head coach at Red Bull Salzburg, winning two Austrian league titles and two Austrian Cups consecutively
• Style: Attacking, high pressing football
• Joined Al-Ahli: 2023

Eddie Howe’s Tenure at Newcastle

Howe took over Newcastle United in November 2021, replacing Steve Bruce after the Public Investment Fund’s takeover. At that time, Newcastle was positioned nineteenth in the Premier League table. He successfully avoided relegation in his first season and guided the team to a fourth-place finish in 2022-2023, securing Champions League qualification. The following seasons saw Newcastle consistently in the top five.

One of his biggest achievements was winning the English Football League Cup in 2025, defeating Liverpool. This victory marked Newcastle’s first major domestic trophy since 1955, ending a 70-year wait.

However, the last season proved challenging. Newcastle ended twelfth in the Premier League and exited the Champions League at the round of 16, losing 8-3 on aggregate to Barcelona. A poor run of only five wins in the final 17 league games intensified scrutiny on Howe's position.

Club’s Transfer Moves and Managerial Context

The summer transfer window has been busy for Newcastle. They sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for £100 million. There is also uncertainty surrounding Bruno Guimaraes, who is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal and may be keen on a move.

Howe’s Managerial Background

• Managed Bournemouth twice, with a short stint at Burnley in between
• Became Newcastle manager in 2021
• Expected to leave officially within days