Abdulhafiz TeslimEddie Howe could become Newcastle’s next high-profile departure as fears grow he could eventually walk away from St James’ Park if the club fail to back him in the transfer market.
That is the view of former Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland striker Darren Bent, who has spoken about Newcastle’s summer exodus of world-class talent.
The 2025/26 season proved to be Howe’s most difficult campaign in charge of the Magpies since succeeding Steve Bruce in November 2021.
Despite guiding Newcastle to the Carabao Cup semi-finals and the Champions League last 16, his side finished 12th in the Premier League.
That marked the club’s lowest league finish since the 2020/21 season, with Howe having led Newcastle to an 11th-place finish after taking charge midway through the 2021/22 campaign and successfully steering them away from relegation.
Newcastle supporters are now bracing themselves for another difficult season after seeing several fan favourites leave St James’ Park.
Who has left Newcastle this summer?
Anthony Gordon was the first major departure after Barcelona completed a £70 million move for the England international.
Sandro Tonali then followed him out of the door, joining Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £100 million.
Experienced full-back Kieran Trippier was also allowed to leave on a free transfer.
Now, club captain Bruno Guimarães could also be on his way out after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Arsenal and informing Newcastle of his desire to leave.
Bent believes the situation could deteriorate further if Howe is not given the resources to adequately replace those departures.
Speaking on World Cup Gameday, co-host Andy Goldstein asked whether Newcastle could even find themselves in a relegation battle.
Bent replied:
> “It’s one of them for Newcastle. I would more fear for Newcastle with the Eddie Howe scenario.
> “Because if I’m Eddie Howe—he’s not a miracle worker.
> “But at some point, you need to help him financially to be able to get it over the line like he did with the League Cup.
> “So I just think, at one point, he might just go, ‘Do you know what? Enough. There’s no more I could do with this football club. Enough’s enough.'”
Goldstein then questioned whether Howe could genuinely choose to walk away.
Former England defender Stuart Pearce admitted he hopes that never happens.
“I sincerely hope not because I really like him as a manager, and I think he’s a good fit at Newcastle.
“The fans have bought into Eddie and I just like his management style.
“He’s not a self-publicist in any way. I think he’s very good at his trade.
“I think it would be a massive loss for Newcastle and for Eddie if they parted company.”
Howe famously delivered Newcastle’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years by lifting the Carabao Cup in 2025, cementing his place among the club’s modern greats.
Who have Newcastle signed this summer?
Despite the departures, Newcastle have invested heavily in young talent.
Goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen has arrived from Reims in an £18 million deal, while winger Bazoumana Touré joined from Hoffenheim for £43 million.
Midfielder Sean Steur completed a £23 million move from Ajax, and Newcastle have also agreed a £51.2 million deal for Freiburg star Johan Manzambi, who impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup.
Whether those signings will be enough to convince Howe that Newcastle remain on the right path could become one of the biggest talking points of the season.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
