Newcastle United has announced the departure of manager Eddie Howe after five years in charge, with German coach Matthias Jaissle set to take over at St James’ Park. Howe, 48, who transformed the club following the Saudi-led takeover in late 2021, leaves with a legacy that includes securing Premier League survival, leading the team to consecutive Champions League qualifications, and delivering the club’s first major trophy in decades—the 2025 Carabao Cup.
Howe’s tenure began when Newcastle were 19th in the league, and under his guidance the club experienced a resurgence, highlighted by memorable victories such as a 4-1 away win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, as well as trips to iconic European stadiums. His domestic success peaked with the historic Carabao Cup win against Liverpool, ending a 56-year trophy drought. Despite a difficult 2025-26 season culminating in a 12th-place Premier League finish, Howe was initially expected to continue. However, after discussions with club owners and reflecting on the team's recent challenges, he decided to step down immediately.
Howe’s departure comes amid significant squad changes over the past year, including the sales of key players such as Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali, with further departures possibly on the horizon. Newcastle’s recent transfer activity has focused on recruiting youth, adding four players aged 20 or under, fueling expectations of a testing upcoming season. Pre-season results have been mixed, including a 1-1 draw against non-League Gateshead and a 4-1 loss to Championship side Bristol City.
Jaissle, 38, arrives with an impressive coaching record, having managed Red Bull Salzburg in Austria from 2021 to 2023 before moving to Saudi club Al Ahli, which shares ownership with Newcastle through the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). At Al Ahli, Jaissle secured two AFC Champions League titles (2025 and 2026) and the Saudi Super Cup, becoming one of the most successful managers in the club’s recent history. Known for his high-intensity, attack-minded style, he earned strong support from Al Ahli’s passionate fan base during turbulent times, including a near dismissal in early 2025 that was reversed following fan protests.
Jaissle’s experience in a demanding environment with expectations for immediate success positions him to take on the challenge at Newcastle. However, questions remain about how he will adapt to the Premier League’s heightened competitiveness and the pressure of fulfilling the high hopes of the club’s loyal supporters, especially following Howe’s considerable achievements.
The new manager is expected to join the Newcastle squad shortly for their pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain. His appointment marks only the second managerial change under Newcastle’s current Saudi ownership, underscoring a pivotal moment for the club as it aims to build on recent progress and reestablish itself among England’s football elite. Meanwhile, Howe has indicated he will take a break from football for the foreseeable future.
Off the pitch, Newcastle’s owner Amanda Staveley is reportedly advancing a deal to acquire a significant stake in West Ham United, highlighting ongoing developments within the Saudi-led football investments in England.