Eddie Howe has left Newcastle United after almost five years in charge, with Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle set to replace him. Howe informed the club’s Saudi Arabian owners more than a fortnight ago that he wanted to leave, and the parting is said to be amicable. Sources indicate Howe felt utterly drained and wished to take a break from football following a transformative tenure that saw Newcastle win the League Cup in 2025 and twice qualify for the Champions League.
Loss of Transfer Control
In recent months, Howe became disillusioned after his influence over transfer policy diminished. Sporting director Ross Wilson sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham this summer, while key striker Alexander Isak departed for Liverpool a year ago. Howe admitted after a 4-1 pre-season friendly defeat at Bristol City on Wednesday that he had “lost control” of transfers and did not know if midfielder Bruno Guimarães would stay.
Speaking after the match, Howe said: “Every day as Newcastle manager is a great day for me. I absolutely love the football club and that will never change. There has been a lot of change at the football club and potentially more to come. I think there’s always reasons to be optimistic.”
Matthias Jaissle to Take Over
Newcastle’s hierarchy are in advanced negotiations with Jaissle, 38, who is under contract with Al-Ahli, also owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Jaissle had a brief playing career as a defender with Hoffenheim and has coached Al-Ahli since 2023, recording 90 wins, 25 draws, and 23 defeats, and winning the Saudi Super Cup and two Asian Champions Leagues. In his first head coaching role at RB Salzburg, he won two Austrian Bundesliga titles and the Austrian Cup.
The squad is expected to be placed under caretaker charge of first-team coach Graeme Jones for the upcoming training camp in La Manga. The club hope Jaissle will take over before the camp concludes with a friendly against Valencia on 8 August. Former Nottingham Forest manager Vítor Pereira is poised to replace him at Al-Ahli.
Howe’s Legacy at Newcastle
Howe took over from Steve Bruce in November 2021 and led Newcastle to two Carabao Cup finals, winning the second against Liverpool in 2025 to secure the club’s first major domestic silverware in 70 years. He also guided the team to Champions League qualification twice. Former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer expressed surprise at the timing, saying: “I’m very, very surprised. It’s strange timing with three weeks to go until the new season. I don’t know what’s gone on but I’m led to believe it was Eddie’s decision to leave. He did a wonderful job so it’s a huge thank you to Eddie.”
