Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe is set to leave the club after five years in charge, with Al Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle emerging as the frontrunner to replace him.
Journalist David Ornstein reported that the 48-year-old Howe personally decided to take a break from football, despite initial intentions from all parties to continue their working relationship.
Howe faced mounting pressure following a difficult 2025/26 season, complicated by board-level transfer challenges and the loss of key squad members to rival clubs.
Jaissle in Advanced Talks
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed that negotiations are progressing rapidly to secure 38-year-old Jaissle as Howe's immediate successor.
Romano said talks with the former Red Bull Salzburg coach are reaching their final stages, describing Jaissle as the top candidate and noting that a deal is close.
Jaissle has built an impressive managerial record, winning two Austrian Bundesliga titles with Salzburg and back-to-back AFC Champions League trophies with Saudi side Al Ahli.
According to reporter Ben Jacobs, Al Ahli will not block the German manager's move to England, though Newcastle must trigger a buyout clause in his contract.
Jacobs confirmed that Howe has decided to step aside, with Jaissle expected to replace him after securing back-to-back Asian Champions League titles.
