How Newcastle's training session ends... and who is a candidate to succeed him

London (AFP) – Eddie Howe has stepped down as manager of English football club Newcastle United after a five-year stint at St James’ Park, according to BBC and Sky News.

Howe, 48, took over the role in November 2021, succeeding Steve Bruce, and led the team to win the EFL Cup in 2025, securing their first major trophy since 1969.

However, he faced mounting pressure last season after the Magpies finished 12th in the English Premier League, having suffered 17 defeats in 38 matches.

Howe’s final match in charge of Newcastle ended in a heavy 4-1 defeat to Bristol City, a Championship side, in a friendly as part of preparations for the new season.

German coach Matthias Jaissle is among the candidates to replace Howe, having resigned from his position at Al-Ahli Saudi FC, which is keen to sign Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira as his successor.

The Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh reported that Jaissle resigned from Al-Ahli, which he had led to two consecutive titles in the AFC Champions League Elite, citing his desire to “return to Europe.”

In a related development, journalist Ben Jacobs reported that an “oral agreement” had been reached for Jaissle’s move to Newcastle, suggesting the deal could be finalized this week.

Meanwhile, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri stated that negotiations had begun between Al-Ahli and Pereira to reach an agreement on contract terms.