Newcastle United

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We asked for your views on the news that manager Eddie Howe is set to leave the club with immediate effect after almost five years in charge.

Here are some of your comments:

Ben: Eddie Howe gave Newcastle its spark back - hauling the club out of the relegation scrap, delivering that unforgettable Champions League return, rebuilding players who looked finished, and serving up some of the most fearless football St James' Park has seen in years. His time was full of graft, pride and proper memories, and whatever comes next, he's earned every bit of respect in Newcastle. Local hero.

Roger: This is a total disaster. For years Eddie Howe has been the cool headed master tactician and inspiration of the club's success. He will be difficult to replace. Right now Newcastle look like a serious relegation prospect.

Hazel: Heartbroken season ticket holder! Eddie Howe performed nothing short of miracles turning the team around and going on to win the cup. Despite the mess at the end of last season, management changes, PSR rules and injuries, he did a reasonable job to hold things together. I thought the new recruits were positive given his ability to develop players. Positive anticipation of coming season has just evaporated. Same old Newcastle.

Tom: If there was ever a worse time to lose a manager its now. Middle of pre-season. This I think will set us back years. Eddie got Newcastle and the city. He had an awful season last year but I think he earned the benefit of the doubt. He's lost two and maybe about to be three of his best players. And although we recruited with young talent, we have not recruited anyone with any proven Premier League experience. I hope I am wrong but this could be our downfall. Thank you Eddie for giving us some of the best memories.

Simon: I understand Newcastle fans' frustrations with last season, but the 'Eddie Howe out' crew need to be careful what they've wished for. Only time will now tell and I hope for the sake of the club that we move forward positively. Eddie has to leave with everyone's best wishes for what he has brought to the club.

Have your say and tell us how you feel about Howe's departure?

Get in touch with your views here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live

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Eddie Howe has lost key players Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon already this summer while Arsenal are trying to sign their captain Bruno Guimaraes.

There is obviously a level of frustration from Howe at the direction the club are going in their summer recruitment, though the coach was aware of the necessity for the club to sell players this summer.

Earlier this year, Howe had decided to remain at St James' Park regardless of the inevitably about selling players.

But over the summer, his perspective has changed and he will now be leaving.

In an era of financial regulations, just because you have wealthy owners doesn't mean you can spend big in the transfer window. You have to abide by those rules and that is where Newcastle have come unstuck this summer.

They were perilously close to not complying with those rules and that was key in the decisions to sell Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

With that, if Guimaraes was to leave as well, it would probably have been a step too far for Howe who also has his reputation to defend here.

He may look at the current squad and the recruitment of young, unproven players and think they may struggle this season. There was, in my mind rightly, a concern from his perspective that maybe it is the right time to walk away.

He will go down as a legend at St James' Park. He led them to that Carabao Cup triumph which will never be forgotten and he led them to Champions League football again. His standing among the fans is very high.

But, when you look at their summer, there is every reason to believe next season will be a struggle.

The process to replace him is well underway, no confirmed names yet but I think that will be a process that moves pretty quickly.

Howe had great success in my mind at St James' Park since his appointment, but this summer has been riddled by transfer issues.

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Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is set to leave the club with immediate effect, sources have told BBC Sport.

Howe came under pressure last season as Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League after losing 17 of their 38 games.

The 48-year-old's final match in charge was a 4-1 defeat by Bristol City in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

Howe replaced Steve Bruce as manager in November 2021, and ended Newcastle's 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the 2025 Carabao Cup.

He led the Magpies to Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025.

Have your say and tell us how you feel about Howe's departure?

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Newcastle continued their pre-season preparations with a 4-1 defeat at Championship side Bristol City on Wednesday night.

Sam Greenwood's curling free-kick put Bristol City ahead before Lorent Tolaj doubled the Robins' advantage before the half-hour mark.

Shortly after the restart, Max Bird's strike extended their advantage and, despite Harvey Barnes pulling one back, a Sven Botman own goal restored the three-goal cushion in the closing stages.

Ashton Gate - including 3,400 travelling Magpies fans - rose as one to conduct a minute's applause in honour of the late Kevin Keegan in the seventh minute, a nod to the number he wore during a terrific playing career.

"I thought it was a really good test for us," Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said post-match.

"The scoreline is a difficult one for us to take, I don't think we deserved that at all today.

"Anyone who watched the game would have seen that we were very competitive. The goals we conceded were strange ones. They had six shots and scored four goals.

"The majority of the game we had control of with the ball. We probably didn't do enough with it in terms of creativity, although we certainly should have scored more than the one we got."

A potential worry for Howe was the early substitution of defender Fabian Schar, who was withdrawn after an awkward fall but walked of the pitch.

"It's an encouraging sign," Howe added.

"I'm not quite sure what the injury is. He felt a bit of tightness in his groin and it was obviously nagging him."

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Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga says he is returning to the club "in a really good place" after the World Cup.

Elanga endured a difficult first season with the Magpies after his £55m move from Nottingham Forest last summer, failing to score in 32 Premier League appearances, but scored twice at the World Cup for Sweden as they exited at the round of 32 stage.

"I've had time during the World Cup to reflect on a lot of things, on and off the pitch," the 24-year-old told club media.

"I feel like I'm in a really, really good place - house in order, everything's good, family are good.

"For me, physically, I feel the best I've ever felt. I just feel ready to go. I've come back for the new season and it doesn't feel like I've been away. I'm ready to play, I'm ready to play as soon as possible. If possible, I want to play against Bristol City. I've only been here two days, but that's how I feel. I feel sharp. I feel good. I feel quick, strong. I just want to go out there and show it.

"I've grown a lot as a player, as a person. I've learned a lot from what I did last season. I've reflected a lot and I'm a different player now, I'm a different person from last year, from yesterday. I always try to forget about the past, but learn from it, and move forward for what's ahead. There are exciting times ahead. I've just got to focus on the things that I can control.

"I know last season wasn't the way I wanted it to go, or what I had planned in my head. But I know the type of player I am. I know what I'm capable of doing, so it's all about focusing on the now, staying present for the present and moving forward with confidence and precision. I'm ready for this season to start."

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BBC Radio Newcastle's Simon Pryde, commentator Matthew Raisbeck and former player John Anderson have been discussing Bruno Guimaraes' future with the Magpies.

"The situation is unchanged, nothing has happened officially, that doesn't mean it won't. Arsenal would have to make a bid that Newcastle would be able to think about," Raisbeck told the Total Sport show.

"If they want him, they're going to have to go higher, even if the player is interested. He's due back at training on Friday.

"It's not necessarily about leaving, but it's about how you do it. With Bruno, maybe something will happen but hopefully he won't force it like [Alexander] Isak did.

"Another reason you wouldn't want Bruno doing what Isak did is it would show that it's easy to get out of Newcastle. If there's a more attractive opportunity, all you have to do is just down tools and then you'll get your move."

Anderson added: "Bruno hasn't said anything but he'll get asked the questions when he's back and then we'll know. It's not ideal losing [Anthony] Gordon and [Sandro] Tonali, but to say we're in a relegation fight is a bit defeatist. A ball hasn't even been kicked yet.

"Everybody has a price, but I doubt they would get £100m for him. Will they get £80m for him? We'll see."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here

Newcastle United sources insist the club are not in talks with Arsenal over a deal to sell Magpies skipper Bruno Guimaraes, 28, to the Gunners and the Tyneside club expect the Brazil international to return to training on Friday. (Northern Echo, external)

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Video assistant referees should only be used to change "blatantly incorrect" decisions and clear missed incidents, say European refereeing officials.

Chief refereeing officers from all 55 European national football associations met last week with Uefa refereeing officials and a representative from the International Football Association Board (Ifab) to address recent changes to the game's laws.

Attendees said "lengthy, microscoping reviews" indicate VAR has gone beyond its original scope.

When VAR was added to the laws of the game in 2018 by football's rulemakers Ifab, its "philosophy" was "minimum interference - maximum benefit", with the intention of reducing "unfairness caused by clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents" relating to goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.

Uefa said that at its recent meeting that refereeing bosses agreed a return to those original aims is needed.

"It was reiterated that, in accordance with protocol, VAR must only intervene in situations of 'clear and obvious' error, ie. when a referee decision is blatantly incorrect or when the referee has missed a clear incident," Uefa said in a statement.

"VAR is not meant to re-referee the game, it is an essential support to the referees, who must remain at the centre of all decision-making.

"Lengthy, microscoping reviews are often a symptom revealing that the decision on the field was not clearly and obviously incorrect, and should therefore be limited."

Sevilla are willing to sell Ruben Vargas, 22, for 20m euros (£17m) with Newcastle, Brighton and Aston Villa among Premier League clubs interested in the 27-year-old Switzerland winger. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

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English football is set to implement a trial to try to eradicate the goalkeeper tactical timeout this season, BBC Sport can reveal.

The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have agreed on the measure, pending permission from the International Football Association Board (Ifab).

Earlier this year, Ifab decided against changing the law and invited leagues to volunteer for trials.

Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, has been in discussions with the leagues to determine how to tackle the issue. It settled on a team having to remove an outfield player from the field.

If a referee signals that the physio can come on to treat a goalkeeper, the coach will have 10 seconds to nominate another player to leave the pitch for one minute, telling the fourth official of their choice.

If no player has been selected within 10 seconds, the captain must leave the field.

Read more on the trial

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Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes has signed a new long-term contract to extend his stay at St James' Park.

The 28-year-old, who joined the club from Leicester City in July 2023, still had two years left on his initial five-year contract.

Barnes contributed 16 goals and six assists across 57 appearances in all competitions last season, while his overall record extends to 30 goals in 120 appearances for the Magpies.

His performances in 2025-26 also saw him receive a call-up to the England national team by Thomas Tuchel, his first involvement in almost six years.

"It feels great to sign this new contract before the new season starts," Barnes said. "It has been an amazing journey so far and I'm delighted to continue that.

"When I first joined the club I quickly learned what a special place it is, but after three years here I know that even more now. I love everything about it here - the city, the stadium and the people.

"I've had a taste of success in the last few years and I've enjoyed some really special moments with this team. We all want more of that, and I want to be a key player that helps push this club forward."

Head coach Eddie Howe added: "His new contact is very well deserved, and a reflection of the work he has put in and the quality he has shown throughout.

"He is a player who has consistently produced special moments at vital times for the team. He is calm in front of goal, whether that is one-on-one or from distance, and he is always a threat from wide areas.

"He has vast experience at the highest level, but we believe there is still more to come."

Arsenal target Bruno Guimaraes has told his representatives he wants his future resolved in the next week, before he reports back for Newcastle's pre-season training camp. (TeamTalk), external

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Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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Newcastle's summer signing Sean Steur played 90 minutes in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Gateshead.

Luke Supyk put the National League side ahead in the first-half and it was Ben Williams' own goal that pulled Eddie Howe's men level in the second.

In what was the Magpies first fan-facing friendly of the summer, Howe made lots of changes and Fabian Schar was back in action for the first time since he suffered an ankle injury in January.

The Magpies midfield has been weakened by the departure of Sandro Tonali, who joined Tottenham this month in a deal worth up to £100m.

Young midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have since arrived from Ajax and Monaco respectively.

Although Saturday's game came too soon for Bamba, whose move was announced on Friday, Steur played 90 minutes.

"He played really well today," Howe said. "He can be really pleased with his performance and first showing in Newcastle colours."

It is rare for an academy graduate to leave Ajax at 18, and for a fee worth up to £23m.

However, Newcastle have to take calculated risks before potential signings like Steur potentially explode in value and are out of reach.

Dutchman Steur clearly has promise.

There were glimpses of Steur's technical ability, composure and vision against National League side Gateshead.

But he will need time to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League.

Newcastle continue their pre-season preparations at Bristol City on Wednesday, 29 July (19:30 BST).

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We asked for your views on Newcastle United signing midfielder Aladji Bamba - and we wanted to know which player would you like to see the club target next.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Dale: We are clearly turning into Brighton in the sense of buying young talent to then sell them to the highest bidder, which is not where we wanted to be but it is where we are as a club.

Jordan: I am happy with the young, hungry signings so far and I understand the move to this transfer model. We have to give these young lads time to settle in and adapt to the Premier League. That said, I'd like to see one or two signings that will immediately improve the starting XI. We finished 12th last season and we have lost some key players. We need some players, maybe aged 21-25, with good experience under their belt!

Tom: £30m for Bamba and £22m for Steur seems very expensive for players who have only been exposed to one season of first-team football. I wish them both the best, and I hope they can bring glory to the club, but I would love to see us make a real statement signing like Adam Wharton.

James: We are desperately short at full-back on both sides. If Lewis Hall is sold, Dan Burn cannot be our only option at left-back, and Tino Livramento is so injury prone nobody wants to buy him so we also need a right-back. If we want to avoid wasting Miley there. We can't compete against Liverpool for Djed Spence or Manchester United for Neco Williams, so it will have to be more youngsters from Europe that nobody has heard of.

Iain: I'd love to see us bring in John Stones as a calming influence at the back, but I know we won't. He reminds me of Jonathan Woodgate when we played for us. We're in desperate need of full-backs or wing-backs. I'd look at Rico Lewis or Djed Spence for either side.

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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It was a rather fitting soundtrack.

As Abba hit Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! blasted out of the speakers during Fulham's lap of appreciation, Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe was plotting a busy summer window inside the press room at Craven Cottage.

"There's been bits of today that we have seen before and that's something that frustrates us," he said after Newcastle's 2-0 defeat on the final day of a bruising league season back in May.

"We're very clear on what we need. Whether we can get that and whether we can fill those gaps - that's the key."

It proved a prescient comment given some of the challenges Newcastle have encountered in the transfer market after missing out on forward Victor Munoz and midfielder Johan Manzambi.

The club have also been working under the constraints of a Uefa settlement after a breach of financial rules.

However, in other ways, some of those gaps Howe referenced are gradually being filled.

Newcastle have signed goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, midfielder Sean Steur and forward Bazoumana Toure, and are set to announce the arrival of another midfielder, Aladji Bamba, from Monaco in a deal worth up to £34m.

The quartet, who are all aged 20 and under, will need time to adapt to the intensity, detail and structure of life under Howe, though, as well as the physicality and speed of the Premier League - and further reinforcements are still needed.

The starting line-up has also been weakened following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

Having already lost Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, Howe will be desperate not to bid farewell to a fourth key player in Bruno Guimaraes in the coming weeks after the Newcastle captain intimated he wished to join Arsenal.

The head coach's take on Guimaraes' future and the club's shift in transfer strategy is bound to be illuminating when he speaks to reporters for the first time this summer after Saturday's friendly at Gateshead.

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We asked for your views on the best ways to honour the late Kevin Keegan, who passed away earlier this week.

Here are some of your comments:

Nicholas: Should be a statue and maybe name a stand after him.

Mr Elk: So sad, my Dad took me to his final game at St James' Park, I still have the Auf Weidersehn Kev programme. He will always be remembered as King Kev, surely a monumental sculpture would be nothing less than fitting.

Keith: There needs to be a lasting tribute to King Kev at St James' Park, the man was an absolute legend and there will never be another era at the club that sees such access to management and players. Build him a fitting statue alongside Sir Bobby and Shearer.

Michael: I would love to see a statue of him next to Sir Bobby Robson because he deserves it. Thanks for five wonderful years. RIP.

Arthur: Naming a stand after Kevin would be a great gesture, but I also think a statue near Sir Bobby and Alan Shearer's statues would be greatly appreciated throughout the whole of Geordieland.

Sandra: I think a fitting tribute to King Kev would be a statue outside the main entrance at St James' Park or a Kevin Keegan Stand within the stadium. He did a lot for Newcastle and should be remembered accordingly.

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New signing Aladji Bamba says he is "excited to test" himself in a new league after penning a five-year contract with Newcastle United.

The 20-year-old, who only made his professional debut at Monaco last season, has completed a move for a fee which could rise to £34m.

"I was very excited when I heard Newcastle were interested in signing me," Bamba said. "I know about the history of the club and I've visited the stadium already, which is amazing.

"I can't wait to be on the pitch there and I hope to have some great times with the fans. I'm excited to test myself in a new league, the biggest league in the world.

"I learned a lot last season and now I feel ready for this opportunity. I will give my all for this club."

Among Ligue 1 midfielders who played at least 500 minutes last season, Bamba ranked in the top five for duels won (9.1 per game on average), tackles (3.6), successful take-ons (1.6) and aerial duels won (1.9).

He becomes the club's fourth senior signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur.

Head coach Eddie Howe added: "He is another exciting, young signing who we are really looking forward to working with.

"He adds depth and a range of qualities to our midfield options, with huge potential for growth. His development since breaking through at Monaco has been really impressive and something we believe we can help him build on."

How do you feel about this signing? Which player would you like to see Newcastle targeting next?

Get in touch with your views here

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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Newcastle United's move for Aladji Bamba underlines a marked shift in transfer strategy for the Magpies.

It is certainly hard to imagine the club spending £55m on a 29-year-old again like they did when they signed forward Yoane Wissa from Brentford last summer.

Instead, Newcastle have targeted players aged 20 and under on the continent this time around.

Bamba, like Sean Steur, Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure, will need time to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League - and it is worth stressing the 20-year-old Frenchman has made only 12 competitive starts for Monaco.

But Newcastle have to take calculated risks this summer before such talents become potentially out of reach.

Just like Newcastle's £23m move for Steur, negotiations were carried out discreetly by all parties involved. News that an agreement had been reached arrived only when Bamba was on his way to Tyneside.

Further reinforcements are needed, but Newcastle are set to complete their fourth signing of the summer.

By contrast, at this stage of a particularly turbulent window a year ago, the club had brought in only Anthony Elanga.

Despite the imminent new midfield signing, one fan, Dave, told BBC Radio Newcastle he is frustrated by a perceived lack of incoming transfers at St James' Park, arguing that is it the defence and goalkeeping department that make him "concerned about next season".

Watch the clip below for more of the chat on BBC Radio Newcastle...

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Newcastle have released their away kit for the 2026-27 season.

The club said on X that the kit is "inspired by the city" and the castle that "stands by the strength of its foundations".

The shirt uses an alternate badge, which features a castle and a magpie, a nod to the club and city's roots.