Eddie Howe has stepped down as manager of Newcastle United with immediate effect, just four weeks before the start of the new Premier League season. The 48-year-old leaves after five years in charge, having guided the club to their first major domestic trophy in 70 years—the League Cup in 2025.

Howe also secured Champions League qualification for Newcastle in 2023 and 2025. However, the club endured a disappointing campaign last season, finishing 12th in the Premier League with 17 defeats in 38 matches. His final game was a 4-1 pre-season loss to Bristol City.

The club has yet to make an official announcement, but the decision reportedly followed discussions between Howe and Newcastle's hierarchy over the past 48 hours. British media outlets indicate Howe expressed a desire to take a break from management.

German coach Matthias Jaissle, currently in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Howe. Both Al-Ahli and Newcastle are owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Jaissle previously spent two seasons at Red Bull Salzburg.

Howe's departure comes amid a summer of change at Newcastle, with Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali already sold, and captain Bruno Guimarães reportedly considering a move. Last year, the club sold top scorer Alexander Isak.

Despite being acquired by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund in 2021, Newcastle has struggled to emulate the success of Abu Dhabi-backed Manchester City or Qatar-backed Paris Saint-Germain, failing to become a dominant force in European football.

Source: www.aljazeera.com