Eddie Howe to leave Newcastle United after trophy-winning spell at St James’ Park

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to leave the club after nearly five years in charge at St James’ Park, according to reports from the BBC and Sky on Thursday.

Howe, 48, has overseen one of the most successful periods in Newcastle’s recent history, guiding the club to two Champions League qualifications and ending a major trophy drought that stretched back to 1969.

Appointed in November 2021 as successor to Steve Bruce, the former Bournemouth manager transformed Newcastle from relegation contenders into a side competing at the top end of the Premier League and in Europe.

Historic cup success and Champions League returns Under Howe, Newcastle lifted the League Cup in March 2025, the club’s first major trophy in 56 years. The triumph marked a significant milestone for the Saudi-backed ownership, who had taken control of the club shortly before Howe’s arrival.

He also steered Newcastle into the Champions League in 2023 and again in 2025, returning the club to Europe’s elite competition and restoring a level of prominence not seen at St James’ Park for two decades.

However, despite those achievements, pressure grew on Howe following a disappointing league campaign last season.

Slide to mid-table sparks pressure Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League, losing 17 of their 38 matches. That mid-table placing was a sharp contrast to the standards set earlier in Howe’s tenure and raised questions about the team’s direction.

The club’s squad has also been weakened in recent weeks. Sandro Tonali has joined Tottenham, while England forward Anthony Gordon has moved to Barcelona, departures that have further unsettled the club’s preparations for the new season.

Uncertainty over Bruno Guimaraes There is continued speculation over the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes, whose situation adds to the uncertainty surrounding Newcastle’s next steps following Howe’s exit.

Guimaraes has been a central figure under Howe, and any potential move for the midfielder would pose an additional challenge for the club as it plans for life after the current manager.

Final game ends in heavy defeat Howe’s last match in charge was a 4-1 defeat to Championship side Bristol City in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, a result that underlined the sense of instability at the club.

Newcastle have not yet made any official announcement on Howe’s departure or his potential successor.