Eddie Howe has stepped down as Newcastle United head coach with immediate effect after nearly five years in charge.

The 48-year-old informed the club of his decision to take a break from management following discussions with the hierarchy over the past 48 hours. His final match was a 4-1 pre-season defeat to Championship side Bristol City on Wednesday.

Howe, who replaced Steve Bruce in November 2021, leaves as a club legend. He ended Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025 and guided the Magpies to Champions League qualification in both 2023 and 2025.

However, last season proved difficult. Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League after suffering 17 defeats in 38 matches. The club have already sold key players this summer, including Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, while captain Bruno Guimarães has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

The situation is understood to be amicable. Howe had initially planned to stay beyond last season but changed his mind in recent weeks.

German coach Matthias Jaissle, currently in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli (also owned by Newcastle’s majority shareholders, the Public Investment Fund), is the leading candidate to replace him, with talks already at an advanced stage.

Newcastle are yet to make an official announcement, but multiple reliable sources including the BBC, The Athletic and Sky Sports have confirmed Howe’s departure.