It is reported that Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to leave St. James' Park, and Al-Ahli club boss Matthias Jaissle has been appointed as the Premier League club's head coach.
Reasons for Howe's Departure
Howe's unexpected departure comes less than a month before the start of the new Premier League season. The Newcastle club quickly brought in German coach Jaissle as a replacement. It is assumed that Howe was disappointed with Newcastle's transfer policy, and his position had already been scrutinized by Saudi owners following an unsatisfactory last season.
The 48-year-old coach allegedly informed Newcastle management back in July of his desire to take a break from football, but he was persuaded to stay while the club determined a successor.
Jaissle's Experience and Career
The choice of Jaissle to replace Howe may be a surprise, given his limited experience at the highest level. The 38-year-old specialist, a former Germany national team player until age 21, was forced to end his career due to an injury at the age of 25.
Jaissle's first coaching post was at Austrian club Liefering, where he led the team to second place in the second division—the best joint result for the club. In 2021, he headed RB Salzburg, winning two consecutive Austrian titles, as well as the Austrian Cup.
In 2023, Jaissle moved to Al-Ahli and managed the Saudi club, leading it to two consecutive AFC Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026.
Situation at Newcastle
Howe's decision to leave Newcastle plunges the club into turmoil just weeks before the start of the Premier League season at home against Liverpool on August 23rd. Over five years of work, Howe revitalized a once-faded club that was subject to ridicule in the Premier League.
Howe replaced Steve Bruce in November 2021 and won the League Cup in March 2025, defeating Liverpool in the final and securing the club's first major trophy since 1969. The former Bournemouth boss also took Newcastle into the Champions League in 2023 and 2025.
However, due to the prolonged transfer of star striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool, Howe faced pressure as the 'Magpies' finished 12th in the Premier League, suffering 17 defeats out of 38 matches. Newcastle reached the Champions League quarter-finals but was heavily defeated by Barcelona on aggregate with a score of 8:3.
Since then, the squad has weakened due to the departures of midfielder Sandro Tonali from Italy to Tottenham and forward Anthony Gordon from England to Barcelona. Speculation continues regarding the future of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães, who is linked with a move to Premier League champions Arsenal.
Howe's last match as coach ended in a 4-1 defeat to Championship side Bristol City in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday. Howe took charge of Newcastle shortly after the club was purchased by the Saudi consortium, ending the turbulent tenure of former owner Mike Ashley and elevating the club to the ranks of the ultra-rich. Although the 'Magpies' initially started in fifth-to-last place in the Premier League, they ultimately finished mid-table. The new owners openly stated long-term goals, aiming to win the Premier League title within ten years. Howe failed to achieve this ambitious goal, but his departure is met with widespread respect.



