Newcastle United’s season has taken a worrying turn, and the once-unthinkable question is now being asked could Eddie Howe’s time in charge be coming to an end? Just a year ago, Howe was hailed as the mastermind behind Newcastle’s remarkable transformation, taking them from relegation candidates to Champions League participants.
Yet, football is a fast-moving game, and with the Magpies sitting 14th in the Premier League after just three wins from their first 11 matches, patience among supporters is beginning to thin.
To give credit where it’s due, Howe’s job this season has been far from easy. Newcastle’s pre-season preparations were heavily disrupted by the long-drawn Alexander Isak saga, which distracted the club’s transfer planning and saw several priority targets slip away.
The campaign initially started on a positive note, with defeats only coming against elite opposition such as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona. But consistency soon disappeared.
A string of poor results three losses in their last four league matches has seen Newcastle slide down the table, dampening the optimism that had surrounded St. James’ Park for so long.
Reports suggest that the club’s Saudi-backed owners are not currently planning to sack Howe. They remain publicly supportive and believe he deserves more time to turn things around.
However, football’s reality is that continued underperformance changes perspectives quickly. If Newcastle fail to improve soon, the board could be forced to act decisively. In that case, several intriguing names are already being mentioned as possible successors to the English manager.
One name generating real interest is Andoni Iraola, currently impressing at Bournemouth. The Spanish coach has been linked with major clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, highlighting how highly rated he is in football circles.
His approach dynamic, attacking, and fearless has brought new life to Bournemouth despite a limited budget and frequent player departures. Iraola’s high-energy, pressing system and trust in young talent would align perfectly with Newcastle’s vision for a vibrant, modern team.
With greater financial backing and the lure of European competition, Newcastle could be the ideal next step for the ambitious Spaniard. If they are serious about him, they might need to move quickly before other big clubs make their move.
Another strong candidate is Oliver Glasner, who has quickly adapted to life in England as Crystal Palace’s manager. The Austrian tactician made headlines when he guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, and he has carried that same tactical intelligence into the Premier League.
Under his leadership, Palace have become a disciplined and dangerous side, one capable of upsetting anyone on their day. Glasner’s combination of defensive organization and attacking creativity would be an excellent fit for Newcastle, especially as they look to find a balance between structure and flair.
His track record of improving mid-table clubs could tempt him to take on the challenge at St. James’ Park, though interest from European giants like Bayern Munich might complicate matters.
Then there is Xavi, the Barcelona legend turned manager. Out of work since leaving Camp Nou in 2024, Xavi represents both a gamble and an opportunity. His managerial career has been mixed he led Barcelona to a La Liga title in 2022/23 with a beautiful possession-based style, but his team often looked fragile defensively.
Appointing him would mark a major shift in footballing philosophy for Newcastle. His focus on technical football and ball retention contrasts sharply with the current physical and counter-attacking setup under Howe.
Still, his global reputation, tactical ideals, and experience managing superstars could bring a new identity and international prestige to the club. For the PIF, who are keen to elevate Newcastle’s brand worldwide, such a move could make sense beyond the pitch.
Finally, there’s Kieran McKenna, a young and forward-thinking English coach whose rise has been remarkable. Having guided Ipswich Town to consecutive promotions and into the Premier League, McKenna earned widespread admiration for his modern coaching style and data-driven approach.
Although Ipswich’s top-flight return ended in relegation, his achievements remain impressive. McKenna is known for developing players and maximizing their potential a trait that could breathe new life into Newcastle’s talented but inconsistent squad.
His emphasis on tactical flexibility and player improvement aligns well with Newcastle’s long-term project. While appointing someone with relatively little top-level experience would be bold, it could also prove visionary if he’s given the resources and patience to implement his ideas.
Right now, Howe’s position is safe but only just. His previous success has earned him time and respect, yet football at this level is results-driven, and Newcastle’s owners are unlikely to tolerate mediocrity for long.
The coming months will be decisive for both Howe and the club’s future. Should the team rediscover their form, he may once again silence his critics and re-establish Newcastle among the Premier League’s elite.
But if performances continue to dip, the hierarchy at St. James’ Park will have difficult conversations to hold and a talented shortlist of replacements ready to consider.
Whether it’s Iraola’s intensity, Glasner’s structure, Xavi’s elegance, or McKenna’s innovation, one thing is certain: Newcastle United’s next move could define the direction of the club for years to come.
