Eddie Howe to LEAVE role as Newcastle boss in bombshell news as turbulent summer at St James' Park continues - with his replacement already lined up

Eddie Howe is set to leave Newcastle United with immediate effect.

Daily Mail Sport understands the head coach has been contemplating his future and has come to an agreement with the club to end his four-and-a-half-year tenure.

Howe took time at the end of last season to consider the best way forward for him and the club, but decided to carry on.

However, the 48-year-old has now informed the hierarchy of his belief that the time is right to part ways. There has been no falling out and the agreement has been reached amicably.

Newcastle have spoken to candidates to replace Howe, including Matthias Jaissle of Al-Ahli. The German, 38, was previously in charge of Red Bull Salzburg between 2021 and 2023 and has since managed in Saudi Arabia, where he won the Asian Champions League in 2025 and 2026. The expectation is Jaissle will be the next manager. His contract is currently with lawyers. He should be in charge when the squad travel to La Manga at the weekend.

Eddie Howe is set to leave his role as Newcastle United manager in bombshell news

Howe led Newcastle to their first major trophy in 70 years in 2025 and also took them to the Champions League on two occasions

But news of Howe’s departure has rocked Tyneside, even though it has not come as a surprise on the back of a turbulent 12 months.

After losing star striker Alexander Isak last summer, England winger Anthony Gordon and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali have been sold this summer. Captain Bruno Guimaraes also wants to join Arsenal and, should the Premier League champions present an acceptable offer, the expectation is the Brazilian will go.

Newcastle have bought four players this window but all are aged 20 and under. They have opened pre-season with a draw against non-League Gateshead and a 4-1 defeat by Championship side Bristol City on Wednesday night.

Howe said after that match that the focus was the opening game of the season against Liverpool, but the wheels were already in motion for his departure. A club statement will follow confirming the end of his hugely successful period at St James’ Park.

The former Bournemouth boss arrived in November 2021 with the team 19th in the Premier League on the back of the Saudi-led takeover the previous month.

After leading them to survival, Newcastle qualified for the Champions League the following season and were beaten in the final of the Carabao Cup.

His exit continues a turbulent summer at Newcastle after the exits of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali

Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle is an early contender to replace Howe at St James' Park

In 2025, Howe became the first manager in 70 years to win a domestic trophy for the Magpies when they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. They also qualified for the Champions League for a second time.

However, last season was a struggle and, despite making the last 16 of the Champions League and the semi-final of the Carabao Cup, a 12th-placed finish was reflective of the drop-off in performance.

Howe met with the club’s owners during a summit at Matfen Hall in April and the intention was to carry on into this season. But after careful thought in recent weeks, he will now take a break from football.