After the Saudi PIF takeover back in 2021, many Newcastle United supporters anticipated a big-name manager to take the reins and lead the club forward.
However, Eddie Howe was the man chosen to lead the Magpies into the new era, a decision that has proven to be a successful one over the last few seasons.
The 48-year-old has now taken charge of 224 games at St James’ Park, subsequently achieving a 51% win rate over his near five-year spell at the helm.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match-1
He’s handed the fanbase countless memories to last a lifetime, but the Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool back in 2024/25 will no doubt be the pinnacle.
However, his long-term future on Tyneside has come under huge scrutiny in recent weeks, with a change of manager potentially on the cards in the near future.
Why Howe could be on borrowed time at Newcastle
Given the money spent by the hierarchy, it’s expected that Newcastle are now a side who are constantly competing for a place in a European competition.
However, the Magpies have struggled to meet such expectations, currently sitting in 12th place in the Premier League and 12 points off a place in the top-four.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
Howe’s men even sit below bitter rivals Sunderland in the current standings, with the Mackems even completing a league double over the Magpies in 2025/26.
Even in Europe, the side have fallen way below expectations, as seen with the 7-2 hammering against Barcelona in the second leg of their tie last month.
As a result, there has been huge noise around the 46-year-old’s long-term future on Tyneside, which could even see him replaced during the summer break.
It would be a sad sight to see Howe depart given his time at St James’ but there’s starting to become a feeling that he’s taken the side as far as he can with his guidance.
The manager who could replace Howe at Newcastle
Even though Howe remains in the role at Newcastle, numerous managers have already been touted with the possibility of replacing the Englishman in the near future.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
If the hierarchy are to make a change during the summer, it’s vital they pick the right manager to help push the club back up the table and allow them to compete for a place in the top-four.
There are various avenues the hierarchy could decide to go down to replace Howe, with a young manager for the future just one option they could pursue.
However, the board should look to reignite their interest in a move for Unai Emery, after previously wanting to appoint the Spaniard during his time at Villarreal.
He’s since moved to Aston Villa, subsequently making the West Midlands outfit a dominant force and a side that are extremely hard to beat in the Premier League.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts
The 54-year-old has led the Villans to fourth place at present, even doing so with PSR issues overhead - highlighting his quality of getting the best out of the players at his disposal.
The Magpies have been through similar issues over the last few years, with Emery able to negotiate the club through any further issues in the near future.
Emery, who’s credited former Magpies boss Rafa Benitez for his career in management, has also won four European trophies - something which could be vital for the Magpies.
The Saudi PIF have wanted the club to be a force domestically and continentally since their arrival, with a move for the current Villa boss no doubt moving them one step closer.
Unai Emery - managerial honours
Europa League x4
Ligue 1 x1
Coupe de France x2
Coupe de la Ligue x2
La Liga Manager of the Month x3
PL Manager of the Month x3
Whilst he’s yet to claim European glory during his time at Villa, he could write himself into their history books come the end of May - as his side currently sit in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Such a success would only increase his stock further, whilst also backing up centre-back Pau Torres’ claim that he’s the “best manager in the Premier League”.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery looks on before the match
It’s unclear if the manager would be open to a move to join the Magpies this summer, but if Howe is dismissed, he’s the calibre of boss they should be targeting.
The 56-year-old’s ability to identify the right player, whilst managing finances, would also be a huge asset for the Magpies as they look to reach the next level.
Moving Howe on certainly would be an emotional decision for all those involved at the club, but it’s hard to argue that replacing him with Emery would be the best decision from a footballing perspective.
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