Eddie Howe has left his role as Newcastle United head coach following discussions with the club's hierarchy over the last 48 hours, though Howe had started the ball rolling on a potential departure weeks ago. The decision comes 25 days before the season opener against Liverpool on August 23.

Newcastle have endured a challenging summer after the sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, with uncertainty over captain Bruno Guimaraes, who is wanted by Arsenal. Those sales played a factor in Howe's decision amid concerns about the squad. Newcastle also sold striker Alexander Isak for a British record £125m to Liverpool last summer. The club signed winger Bazoumana Toure for £42m, midfielder Sean Steur for £23m, and goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen for £18.5m, but missed out on Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa.

Howe has been one of Newcastle's greatest-ever managers, winning the League Cup to end the club's 70-year wait for silverware and taking the club into the Champions League twice. His final game was a 4-1 pre-season loss to Bristol City. Newcastle have started the process to find Howe's successor with sporting director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson leading the search.

In his final words, Howe refused to offer assurances over Guimaraes' future amid Arsenal interest, stating the player is not in control of his own future: "What will be, will be. We can't control the forces that are at play here."