Manager Howe to leave Newcastle with immediate effect

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Eddie Howe is set to leave Newcastle United with immediate effect, citing sources. The report, published on 30 July 2026, says Howe’s last match in charge was Wednesday’s 4-1 pre-season friendly defeat by Bristol City. Newcastle had finished 12th in the Premier League last season, losing 17 of their 38 league games.

According to BBC Sport, Howe had been under pressure after that league campaign, despite stronger cup and European results. The article says well-placed sources indicated Howe was surprised by aspects of Newcastle’s summer transfer activity, although he understood the club needed to sell players. It reports that he had previously chosen to stay at St James’ Park despite expected departures, but that his view changed during the summer.

The BBC report highlights major changes to Newcastle’s squad. It says striker Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool frustrated Howe, while Sandro Tonali has joined Tottenham and Anthony Gordon has moved to Barcelona. Arsenal are also reported to be pursuing captain Bruno Guimaraes. The club had spent about £240m on new signings 12 months earlier, according to the same report.

Howe, 48, took over from Steve Bruce in November 2021. His tenure included Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025 and Newcastle’s 2025 Carabao Cup triumph, described by BBC Sport as ending the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy. His expected exit would leave Newcastle seeking a new manager shortly before the new season.