Eddie Howe has stepped down as Newcastle United manager with immediate effect, according to British media reports, bringing an end to a five-year spell that delivered the club’s first major domestic trophy in seven decades. Reports say Al Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle is set to replace the 48-year-old at St James’ Park.

Although Newcastle had not issued an official statement hours after the reports emerged, Sky Sports said Howe’s departure followed discussions with the club’s hierarchy over the previous 48 hours. Multiple British media outlets reported that Howe informed Newcastle of his decision to take a break from football management.

More than 100 words into the story, Eddie Howe leaves behind one of the club’s most successful modern eras. He guided Newcastle to the 2025 League Cup title, ending a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy. He also secured UEFA Champions League qualification in both 2023 and 2025, helping restore the club’s status among England’s elite.

Former Newcastle captain and England striker Alan Shearer praised Howe for his achievements in a BBC column. He suggested that the departures of several key players and frustrations in the transfer market may have influenced the manager’s decision.

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Shearer described the timing of Howe’s exit as surprising, coming just three weeks into pre-season and only weeks before the start of the new Premier League campaign. He said losing top players had likely made Howe’s job increasingly difficult.

Newcastle sold Swedish striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool last year before allowing Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali to join Tottenham Hotspur and England winger Anthony Gordon to complete a move to Barcelona. Reports also suggest captain Bruno Guimaraes could leave before the transfer window closes.

Howe departs after a disappointing 2025–26 Premier League season in which Newcastle finished 12th after losing 17 of their 38 league matches. His final game in charge ended in a 4-1 pre-season defeat to Bristol City on Wednesday.

Reports indicate that German coach Matthias Jaissle will become Newcastle’s next manager. Jaissle currently leads Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, with both Al Ahli and Newcastle owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

If confirmed, Jaissle’s appointment would mark the beginning of a new chapter for Newcastle as the club looks to rebuild ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.