Newcastle faces another tough challenge after Eddie Howe leaves, as a key player looks to move on.
A key Newcastle United player reportedly wants to leave the club this summer after Eddie Howe’s surprising exit.
Howe’s departure was announced on Thursday (July 30), just hours after Newcastle lost 4-1 in a pre-season friendly against Bristol City at Ashton Gate. After the game, he told reporters he no longer had control over the club’s transfers. This summer, star players Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have already moved to Barcelona and Spurs.
Meanwhile, captain Bruno Guimarães seems close to joining Arsenal, with an £80 million deal reportedly near completion. His leadership and presence in the locker room will be missed, raising questions about Newcastle’s transfer strategy. So far, the club has signed mostly young, less experienced players this window, including 20-year-olds Bouzoumana Touré, Aladji Bamba, and Ewen Jaouen from Hoffenheim, AS Monaco, and Stade Reims, plus 18-year-old Sean Steur from Ajax.
Howe is expected to be replaced by Al Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle, who led the Saudi club to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles in 2025 and 2026. But more players might leave before the transfer window closes on September 1.
The Daily Mail says Joelinton asked to leave weeks ago, hoping to join a Saudi Pro League team. This means Guimarães, Joelinton, and Tonali—all starters when Newcastle won the 2025 Carabao Cup—could all be gone in the same window.
Joelinton appeared 42 times last season, scoring six goals and providing one assist as Newcastle finished 12th and missed out on European football. He has two years left on his contract. At the end of last season, the 29-year-old said finishing his career at St James’ Park would be a “dream.”
“It’s been quite a journey, with great moments and some tough ones too,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed every moment here and made memories that will last forever. This club is where I’ve played my best football and it means a lot to represent my family and hometown from Brazil. I hope there’s more to come.”
When asked about his future, he added: “I’ve always thought I’d finish at the club I support and started with, but football changes fast. I love Newcastle and ending my career here would be amazing. But let’s see what happens—I hope to play for many more years.”
The Sun reports that left-back Lewis Hall is attracting interest from Manchester United, with the Premier League giants considering a move for the 21-year-old this summer.
Newcastle will kick off their 2026/27 Premier League season at home against Liverpool on August 23.