Eddie Howe is taking a break from football after leaving Newcastle United, but his record has already made him a potential candidate for some of the biggest jobs in English football.
The 48-year-old left Newcastle in July after almost five years at the club. During his tenure, he transformed Newcastle from a relegation candidate into a Champions League side and guided the club to its first domestic trophy in 70 years with victory in the 2025 League Cup.
For now, however, Howe has no plans to return to management.
A break from football
Several sources close to Howe say he is not currently considering his next job. After his emotional departure from Newcastle, the manager said he needed a break not only from the club but from football itself.
Family is a major factor. Howe has three sons, aged seven to 15, and wants to spend more time with them after years of being consumed by the demands of management.
His recent health problems have also influenced his decision. Howe was hospitalised with pneumonia in April 2025, shortly after Newcastle won the League Cup, and subsequently recognised the need to focus more on his physical recovery.
This is not the first time Howe has taken an extended break. After leaving Bournemouth, he spent more than a year away from management before returning with Newcastle in November 2021.
Waiting for the right opportunity
Howe is expected to attract interest whenever Premier League clubs begin considering managerial changes. But those close to him believe he will be selective.
His achievements at Bournemouth and Newcastle mean he is unlikely to be attracted by a club simply looking to avoid relegation or consolidate its position in the Premier League.
At Bournemouth, Howe took the club from League Two to the Premier League. At Newcastle, he oversaw a much broader transformation, including two Champions League qualifications and the ending of the club’s long wait for a major domestic trophy.
That record could put him on the radar of bigger clubs if their current projects fail to deliver.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have all recently appointed permanent managers, meaning there is no immediate vacancy at those clubs. But a poor run of results could change the situation during the season.
Howe is also likely to attract interest from abroad, although a move overseas would involve a major change for his young family and may therefore be less appealing in the short term.
England remains a possibility
The England job could represent a different proposition.
The Football Association previously considered Howe when Gareth Southgate left the national team, but Howe was not interested in leaving Newcastle at the time. He has nevertheless spoken positively about the possibility of becoming England manager in the future.
International management would offer a different working rhythm from club football, with less day-to-day involvement. That was previously one of the reasons Howe preferred club management.
His circumstances have now changed.
Thomas Tuchel is contracted to lead England through the 2028 European Championship, meaning the position is not expected to become available before then unless the German’s tenure ends earlier.
Howe also has a relationship with Dan Ashworth, the FA’s chief football officer, dating back to their time together at Newcastle. Ashworth reportedly considered Howe for Manchester United after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, although the club ultimately appointed Ruben Amorim.
For now, Howe’s priority remains time away from the dugout. His next move is therefore likely to depend less on the number of vacancies that emerge and more on whether one of them offers a project capable of convincing him that it is worth ending his break.
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