Newcastle suffer another brutal blow after Eddie Howe exit as key player eyes move

A key Newcastle United player reportedly wants to leave the club this summer after Eddie Howe’s shock departure.

Howe’s departure was announced on Thursday (July 30), just hours after he oversaw a 4-1 pre-season friendly defeat to Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

After the match, he told reporters that he no longer had control over the club’s dealings in the transfer market, with star men Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali already joining Barcelona and Spurs respectively this summer.

Meanwhile, club captain Bruno Guimarães looks set to sign for Arsenal, with the clubs reportedly close to agreeing an £80 million deal for the Brazilian international.

Guimarães' leadership and presence in the dressing room will be missed, raising further questions about Newcastle’s transfer policy, with the North East club opting to sign inexperienced players this window, including 20-year-olds Bouzoumana Touré, Aladji Bamba and Ewen Jaouen from Hoffenheim, AS Monaco and Stade Reims respectively. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Sean Steur has also arrived from Ajax.

While Howe is expected to be replaced by Al Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle, who guided the Saudi side to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles in 2025 and 2026, more departures may occur before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Key player may leave Newcastle after Howe's exit

The Daily Mail reports that Joelinton asked to leave the club several weeks ago, as he wishes to join a Saudi Pro League side.

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This means that Guimarães, Joelinton and Tonali, who all started when Newcastle won the 2025 Carabao Cup final, could all leave in the same transfer window.

Joelinton made 42 appearances last season, contributing six goals and one assist as Newcastle finished 12th and failed to qualify for Europe. The Brazilian has two seasons remaining on his contract.

Speaking at the end of last season, the 29-year-old claimed that finishing his career at St James’ Park would be a “dream”.

"It's been such a journey, with great moments, some difficult moments as well," he said.

"But I enjoy every time here and I have great memories that will live with me forever.

"This is the club that I've been at for the most years, and where I've played my best football. It's a great achievement to come from where I'm from in Brazil to be here – I represent my family and my state in Brazil. It's a great achievement, and I hope there's more to come."

When further pressed on his future plans, he added:

"I always had in my head that I'd finish at the club where I started, at the club I support. But you never know, football changes so quickly.

"I love the club (Newcastle), and for me to finish my career here, in Europe, would be a dream for me.

"But let's see my future. I hope to play many years, let's see if I do it or not."

According to The Sun, left-back Lewis Hall is of interest to Manchester United, with the 20-time Premier League champions weighing up a move for the 21-year-old this summer.

Newcastle get their 2026/27 Premier League campaign under way at home to Liverpool on August 23.