Eddie Howe has stepped down as Newcastle United head coach with immediate effect, bringing his nearly five-year reign at St James’ Park to a dramatic end.
The 48-year-old reached the decision following talks with Newcastle’s hierarchy over the last 48 hours.
However, reports indicate that Howe had been considering his future at the club for several weeks before finally deciding to walk away.
His departure comes less than 24 hours after Newcastle suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Championship side Bristol City in a pre-season friendly.
Howe reportedly informed members of his coaching staff after the team returned from the match.
Transfer crisis pushes Howe towards exit
Newcastle endured a turbulent summer transfer window, losing several of the players who helped transform the club into Champions League contenders.
Howe was reportedly unhappy with the direction of the club’s transfer business after Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham and Anthony Gordon completed a move to Barcelona.
The Magpies had already sold striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British-record £125 million during the previous summer transfer window.
Uncertainty also surrounds captain Bruno Guimaraes, who continues to attract strong interest from Premier League champions Arsenal.
Although Newcastle have signed several young players, Howe was said to have concerns about whether the new arrivals could immediately replace the experience and quality lost from his squad.
He had initially planned to remain in charge despite Newcastle’s disappointing 12th-place finish last season.
However, his position reportedly changed as more influential players departed and the club struggled to secure some of its preferred transfer targets.
Newcastle tried to convince Howe to stay
Newcastle officials reportedly attempted to persuade Howe to reconsider his decision.
There is understood to be no major disagreement between the former Bournemouth manager and the club’s leadership.
Howe, however, believes he has taken Newcastle as far as he can and is expected to take a break from football.
His exit leaves the Magpies searching for a new manager just weeks before their Premier League opener against Liverpool.
Al Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him, with talks reportedly at an advanced stage.
Former Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte have also been considered.
Howe ends Newcastle’s long trophy drought
Howe replaced Steve Bruce as Newcastle manager in November 2021 when the club was battling relegation.
He guided the Magpies to safety before turning them into one of the Premier League’s strongest sides.
Newcastle finished fourth in the 2022–23 season, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in more than 20 years.
Howe also led the club back into the competition following a fifth-place finish in the 2024–25 campaign.
His biggest achievement came in March 2025 when Newcastle defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final.
The victory ended the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy and made Howe the first English manager to win a major men’s honour since Harry Redknapp in 2008.
However, Newcastle’s fortunes declined last season.
The Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League after losing 17 of their 38 matches.
They reached the Champions League knockout stages but were eliminated by Barcelona, while their Carabao Cup title defence ended in the semi-finals.
Howe leaves Newcastle as one of the most successful managers in the club’s modern history.
