Why Eddie Howe left Newcastle: the inside story behind the Magpies manager’s departure

Eddie Howe’s departure from Newcastle United was ultimately a decision made by the manager himself after discussions with the club’s hierarchy, with the process beginning several weeks before his exit was announced.

According to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie, Howe first raised the possibility of leaving shortly after Newcastle’s final Premier League game of the 2025/26 season, a defeat to Fulham. The 48-year-old questioned whether it was time for a change and suggested that the squad might need fresh energy.

Early talks pointed toward staying

Discussions took place two days after the Fulham loss, and all parties left those meetings believing Howe would remain in charge. He publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the club and insisted he was fully invested in the project.

However, after taking a family holiday, Howe returned for pre-season with a different perspective. During his time away, he had reflected on his future and concluded that he had taken Newcastle as far as he could.

A challenging summer

During the summer, Newcastle sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for a combined £170 million, while captain Bruno Guimarães informed the club that he wanted to move to Arsenal.

Although Newcastle were active in the transfer market, their focus was on signing younger, less experienced players. Howe publicly supported the club’s recruitment strategy and maintained that everyone remained aligned, but privately he recognised that the season ahead would present significant challenges.

The transfer activity was not described as the main reason for his departure, but it formed part of a difficult period.

Exhaustion became the decisive factor

The key factor behind Howe’s decision was exhaustion after nearly five years in charge of Newcastle.

The former Bournemouth manager had been hospitalised with pneumonia in April and had not enjoyed a proper break since then. After returning from his holiday, he could not shake the feeling that his time at St James’ Park had come to an end.

Senior figures at Newcastle urged him to reconsider, but Howe was clear that he had made his decision. Reporters had also noticed that he appeared unusually weary during Newcastle’s pre-season friendly against Gateshead.

Newcastle prepared quietly for a successor

Once Howe informed the club of his final decision, Newcastle accepted that a change was necessary and asked him to remain in charge until a replacement had been secured.

For more than two weeks, the club continued operating as normal while working behind the scenes to appoint a new head coach. As a result, the announcement of Howe’s departure was not a surprise to Newcastle’s senior leadership.

His coaching staff were informed of the decision after the team returned from their pre-season defeat at Bristol City.

Jaissle set to replace Howe

Newcastle have identified German coach Matthias Jaissle as Howe’s successor, with the appointment understood to be close.

Jaissle, currently with Al Ahli, is expected to join the squad in La Manga once his move is completed. The 38-year-old is viewed as an energetic, front-foot manager whose tactical approach resembles Howe’s, making him a suitable fit for the current squad.

Sporting director Ross Wilson reportedly recommended Jaissle based on his previous experience with coaches from the Red Bull football system.

Howe’s Newcastle legacy

Howe leaves Newcastle after delivering the club’s first major trophy in 70 years and overseeing one of the most successful periods in modern club history.

His tenure included a trophy-winning campaign, two appearances in the UEFA Champions League, memorable victories such as the 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain, and significant transfer successes involving players such as Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

He is also credited with reconnecting the supporters, the club and the city during a transformative period under Newcastle’s current ownership.

On the eve of his departure, Howe reflected on his time at the club by saying: “Every day I’m in charge of Newcastle is a great day.”

It would prove to be his final day as Newcastle United manager.