Eddie Howe is expected to be the Newcastle United manager most likely to depart at the end of the season, according to an ESPN reporter, who has suggested that a leading German coach could be lined up as his successor at St. James’ Park.
Howe took charge of Newcastle in 2021 and has enjoyed significant success with the Premier League side. During his tenure, the Magpies lifted the Carabao Cup last season, bringing an end to the club’s 70-year drought for a major domestic trophy.
Newcastle are also competing in the Champions League this campaign, marking only the second time the club have appeared in Europe’s top competition under Howe’s leadership.
However, signs of unrest have emerged, with a section of supporters at St. James’ Park expressing dissatisfaction as the team currently sit as low as 12th in the Premier League standings.
Howe has previously stated that he would step down from his role if he believed he could no longer drive the club forward.
ESPN journalist Mark Ogden has predicted that Howe will leave Newcastle at the end of the season and believes the club’s owners, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), could attempt to attract Thomas Tuchel to St. James’ Park.
Tuchel is regarded as one of the world’s elite managers. The 52-year-old German has won Ligue 1 twice with Paris Saint-Germain and lifted the Champions League trophy with Chelsea.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss also steered Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title in the 2022/23 season and was officially named England manager in January 2025.
Ogden wrote on ESPN: ‘Newcastle’s development since the takeover by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund in 2021 has stalled, and ongoing issues in the transfer market have caused frustration for Howe.
‘With the England position expected to become available once Tuchel’s contract expires after the World Cup, a mutual separation could take place at Newcastle this summer.’
Commenting on the ‘most likely scenario’, Ogden added: ‘Howe moves to the England job, Newcastle target Tuchel.’
Tuchel is currently contracted as England manager until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup finals this summer.
Nevertheless, the German coach has indicated he would be open to extending his stay and continuing in charge of the Three Lions.
Speaking to ESPN in November 2025, when asked whether he would consider staying beyond the World Cup, Tuchel said: “Yes, absolutely. I really enjoy it.
“It has been especially enjoyable because we are making good progress in the last two camps, but that feeling has been there from the beginning.
“There is nothing to announce right now, but I am very pleased with how things are developing and I believe the federation feels the same way.
“But that is only for today. I must keep proving myself here and then again with the team, and everything else will sort itself out.
“The key thing is to remain focused on the next camp.
“I feel in a strong mental place because I love the squad, I appreciate the support from the federation and I like the direction we are heading in. That is my main priority.
“I have not given too much thought to my contract yet, but there is plenty of time to discuss that.”
Latest Newcastle transfer news: Sandro Tonali future, Brentford raid
Meanwhile, Newcastle and Aston Villa are reportedly battling for the signature of an Inter Milan star.
Sources have informed our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, of Sandro Tonali’s plans for the summer of 2026, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus and Inter Milan all showing interest in the Newcastle and Italy international midfielder.
Finally, sources also indicate that Newcastle are among several clubs monitoring a Brentford right-back, although Manchester United and Manchester City are also in the race for his signature.
