St James’ Park awaits Al Ahli’s Matthias Jaissle as Howe departs

Eddie Howe is set to end his five‑year spell as Newcastle United head coach, having told the club he wishes to step away from management and take a break, while Al Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle emerges as the overwhelming favourite to take over at St James’ Park.

Jaissle has built an impressive reputation since beginning his coaching career within the Red Bull system, winning back‑to‑back Austrian Bundesliga titles with Red Bull Salzburg. At Al Ahli he guided the Saudi Pro League side to consecutive AFC Champions League Elite titles, earning praise for an aggressive pressing style and attacking philosophy. Those credentials have made him one of Europe’s fastest‑rising coaches and an attractive candidate for ambitious clubs.

Howe arrived at Newcastle United in November 2021, shortly after the Saudi‑backed takeover, inheriting a side sitting 19th in the Premier League and fighting relegation. He secured survival and subsequently transformed the Magpies into Champions League regulars, culminating in the 2025 Carabao Cup victory that ended a 70‑year wait for a major domestic trophy. The manager’s five‑year spell is regarded as one of the most significant in the club’s modern history.

Last season proved considerably more difficult, with Newcastle finishing 12th in the Premier League and being comfortably beaten by Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League last‑16. A poor run after the turn of the year raised fresh questions over the team’s direction. The turbulent summer added uncertainty, highlighted by the departures of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, while speculation surrounding Bruno Guimaraes continued to dominate headlines.

The departure is understood to be amicable, with Newcastle already advancing talks with Jaissle as they prepare for a new era at St James’ Park. According to transfers reporter Fabrizio Romano, Howe has informed the club’s hierarchy that he wants to step away from management and take a break from football, despite having decided to remain in charge at the end of last season.

Howe’s exit will mark the end of a managerial reign that restored belief at St James’ Park and re‑established the Magpies among England’s elite. By stepping away, he leaves the club on his own terms after delivering a major trophy and consistent European qualification.

If Newcastle complete the appointment, Jaissle will inherit one of the Premier League’s most demanding projects, replacing a manager who transformed the club’s fortunes. The move offers the 38‑year‑old a platform to test his aggressive, pressing philosophy in England’s top flight.