Howe exits Newcastle on Premier League season eve, with Al-Ahli boss touted

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing its staff, Reuters and The Associated Press, reported on July 30, 2026, that Eddie Howe has stepped down as Newcastle United manager with immediate effect, four weeks before the club’s Premier League season is due to begin. The report said Newcastle had not yet made a formal announcement, but that the decision followed talks between Howe and senior club figures over the previous 48 hours.

Howe, 48, leaves after five years in charge. During his tenure, Newcastle won the 2025 League Cup, described by Al Jazeera as the club’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years, and qualified for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025. His departure follows a difficult season in which Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League after 17 defeats in 38 matches. His last match was reported as a 4-1 pre-season loss to Bristol City.

The report identified Matthias Jaissle, the German coach of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, as the leading candidate to replace Howe. Both Newcastle and Al-Ahli are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Jaissle, 38, previously managed Red Bull Salzburg and joined Al-Ahli in 2023 after a playing career that included time at Hoffenheim and Germany under-21 appearances.

The timing leaves Newcastle facing uncertainty before a scheduled league opener at home to Liverpool on August 23. Al Jazeera noted further squad disruption, including the exits of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, speculation around Bruno Guimaraes, and last year’s sale of Alexander Isak.