Eddie Howe has resigned as head coach of Newcastle United—an exit that abruptly ends his nearly five-year tenure.
Honestly, the timing couldn’t be much worse. Howe leaves Newcastle just 24 days before the squad opens its Premier League campaign. Management formally accepted his resignation after intense discussions across Tuesday and Wednesday. But the internal friction that caused the fracture started building weeks ago.
Saudi-based Jaissle favourite to take over the Squad
Matthias Jaissle currently leads the race. He’s exactly who the executives are looking for. The 38-year-old German manages Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, and both clubs share a direct corporate link through Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. An outlet published a detailed background report this morning. The text confirms Jaissle previously guided Red Bull Salzburg to consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles. He headed to the Middle East shortly after that.
Discussions sit at an advanced stage. Club officials view a finalized deal as close. Sporting Director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson are directly managing the search—they also shortlisted Antonio Conte and Kieran McKenna. Similar coaching searches have scrambled other British sports organizations this week.
Howe managed his final match during a 4-1 pre-season loss to Bristol City on Wednesday night. The squad officially faces Liverpool on August 23.
Financial Constraints and Transfer Frustrations
Severe transfer restrictions drove Howe away. Newcastle sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer—moves that deeply fractured the manager’s trust. Executives previously shipped striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British-record £125m last year. And the club still faces uncertainty regarding captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Howe explicitly voiced his concern when Arsenal targeted Guimaraes earlier this month. “I cannot assure Bruno future… but added the player is not in control of his own future,” Howe stated. He felt management had pillaged his core roster.
The organization couldn’t land his primary targets either. Newcastle missed out on Switzerland international Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa. Howe labeled that specific failure a big blow. Executives brought in unproven youth instead. They signed 20-year-old winger Bazoumana Toure for £42m and spent £23m on 18-year-old midfielder Sean Steur. Management also acquired 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen for £18.5m.
UEFA regulations forced much of this austerity. A recent breakdown of club finances flagged that the 70% UEFA limitations on SCR strictly restricted the proportion of revenues Newcastle could spend on fees.
PIF Consolidation Exposes the New Football Economy
State-owned football networks hold a massive structural advantage right now. The Public Investment Fund just proved it can shuffle elite coaching talent across its global portfolio without fighting the open market. Howe ended a 70-year wait for a major trophy after he secured the Carabao Cup in 2025. He also pushed the squad into the Champions League twice. So a 12th-place finish last season completely shifted the internal expectations.
The club is now turning to an internal asset. Jaissle retired from playing at 26 due to a severe knee injury. He assumed control of Al-Ahli in 2023. During his tenure, the manager won the Asian Champions League twice and secured the Saudi Super Cup in 2025. His transition process bypasses standard hiring hurdles. Right now, Jaissle remains under contract with Al-Ahli as the Saudi Pro League prepares for its upcoming season.