Eddie Howe has stepped down as head coach of Newcastle United after nearly five years in charge, deciding to take a break from football just 25 days before the club's Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 23, 2026.
The 48-year-old manager informed the club hierarchy of his decision following discussions over the past 48 hours, ending a tenure that brought Newcastle their first major domestic trophy in 70 years with the 2025 Carabao Cup.
Newcastle have moved rapidly to secure a replacement, with 38-year-old German manager Matthias Jaissle of Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli currently in advanced talks to succeed Howe at St. James' Park.
Howe's departure comes on the heels of a disappointing 2025-26 campaign where Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League and suffered a brutal 4-1 pre-season defeat to Championship side Bristol City on July 29.
The club has endured a turbulent transfer window, having already sold key players Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million, while star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes remains heavily linked with a transfer to Arsenal.
Howe's Final Comments on Bruno Guimaraes
Before stepping down, Howe addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding the Brazilian international and captain during post-match interviews at Ashton Gate.
"We've spoken numerous times," said Howe. "Assurances, I don't think you can push too hard for those.
I've said many times you want players who are committed. Bruno has always been committed here.
His training performances, game performances have been outstanding. Every time he's worn the shirt, he's played with the fans by his side.
I'd love to see that continue."
Howe reiterated the difficulty of replacing world-class talent amid growing interest from Premier League champions Arsenal, who are offering upwards of £75 million to secure the midfielder.
"I think we want to keep all of our best players, they are so valuable," said Howe. "I have said numerous times, there's not many of them.
To get them is so difficult and develop them, so when you get them you want to keep them.
Bruno is very much in that category, he's an outstanding player."
The departing manager acknowledged that the ongoing saga and external transfer noise had created unwanted complications for the squad during pre-season preparations.
"Any distraction, if it's not healthy, is unhealthy. So, yeah," said Howe.
"But we're not in control of that. And to some degree, I don't think Bruno's in control of that either."
Howe concluded his final media appearance by focusing on the professionalism expected from the player once he returns to training routines.
"What will be, will be.
We can't control the forces that are at play here, we've just got to make sure that when Bruno comes back, we look after him and he trains well, which I'm sure he will do.
And he makes a difference as he always has done," said Howe.
Newcastle sports director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson are now leading the recruitment process, aiming to finalize Jaissle's appointment before the Premier League season kicks off.
