Eddie Howe to leave role as Newcastle United head coach

Updated: 30 Jul 2026 09:07 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Make us your Google favourite

Eddie Howe is set to leave his role as Newcastle United head coach with immediate effect ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Article continues under the video

The 48-year-old has been in charge at St James’ Park since November 2021 and he was initially expected to remain at the club for the foreseeable future, but he has parted ways with the club following a 4-1 pre-season friendly defeat to Bristol City on Wednesday.

Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein have both confirmed that Howe has informed Newcastle of his decision to leave the club, in order to take a break from coaching, and Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle has been lined up as his replacement.

Howe was tipped to depart the club following the conclusion of last season, after a disappointing 12th-placed finish in the Premier League, but he ultimately opted to remain in charge of the Magpies. However, he has now performed a dramatic u-turn and his exit is expected to be formally announced by Newcastle shortly.

It's understood that his departure has been received amicably by the Newcastle hierarchy and talks with Jaissle are already at an advanced stage. The 38-year-old has guided Al-Ahli to two Asian Champions League triumphs during his time at the club and his imminent move to St James' Park will come as little surprise given his current employers are also owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) - just like Newcastle.

The Magpies have already spent €130.5 million on new signings so far this summer, with Bouzamana Toure their most high-profile arrival, but they have sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon to Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona respectively, while Bruno Guimaraes is in advanced negotiations over a move to Arsenal.

© IMAGO - Eddie Howe is set to leave Newcastle

Eddie Howe to leave Newcastle

Howe was appointed as Steve Bruce's replacement back in November 2021, with Newcastle languishing down in 19th at the time of his appointment. He steered the club to safety during his first half-season in charge and kept his job despite the arrival of new owners PIF.

The 48-year-old subsequently guided Newcastle to their first trophy in 70 years when they beat Liverpool to win the 2025 Carabao Cup final, while the club have been in the Champions League on two occasions during Howe's reign.

However, results dipped last term and while a post-season review saw Howe remain in charge, he has now decided to leave St James' Park with immediate effect.