Alan Shearer says Eddie Howe’s departure leaves Newcastle facing a difficult period, despite the manager’s transformative achievements since taking charge in 2021. He credits Howe with keeping the club in the Premier League, securing high league finishes and ending its long wait for a major trophy with the 2025 Carabao Cup, but fears the club’s recent direction will weaken it.

Shearer highlights the timing of Howe’s exit, three weeks into pre-season, and links it to the sales of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, alongside uncertainty over Bruno Guimaraes. He also points to failed transfer pursuits, including Hugo Ekitike, Johan Manzambi, Victor Munoz and James Trafford, and questions whether expected successor Matthias Jaissle, 38, can adapt from Saudi football to the Premier League.