Eddie Howe set to leave Newcastle as Matthias Jaissle closes in on St James’ Park move | OneFootball

Eddie Howe is set to end his five-year spell as Newcastle United manager, with Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle emerging as the overwhelming favourite to replace him.

According to transfers reporter Fabrizio Romano, Howe has informed Newcastle’s hierarchy that he wants to step away from management and take a break from football.

The departure is amicable, with Newcastle already advancing talks with Jaissle as they prepare for a new era at St James’ Park.

Howe’s exit will mark the end of one of the most significant managerial reigns in the club’s modern history.

The former Bournemouth manager arrived in November 2021 shortly after the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover, inheriting a side sitting 19th in the Premier League.

He not only secured survival but transformed Newcastle into Champions League regulars, culminating in the club lifting the 2024/25 League Cup to end a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.

However, last season was considerably more difficult.

Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League and were comfortably beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League last 16.

A poor run after the turn of the year raised fresh questions over the team’s direction.

A turbulent summer has added to that uncertainty following the departures of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur.

Speculation surrounding Bruno Guimaraes’ future has continued to dominate headlines.

If Howe’s departure is confirmed, Newcastle appear ready to turn to one of Europe’s most highly regarded young coaches.

Jaissle has built an impressive reputation since beginning his coaching career within the Red Bull system before winning back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles with Red Bull Salzburg.

The 38-year-old has enhanced those credentials even further at Al-Ahli, guiding them to consecutive AFC Champions League Elite titles while earning praise for his attacking philosophy.

That proactive approach has made him one of Europe’s fastest-rising coaches and an increasingly attractive candidate for ambitious clubs.