Eddie Howe to follow in Jurgen Klopp's footsteps after 'surprise' Newcastle exit
Eddie Howe is looking to follow in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp following his exit from Newcastle United, sources have told Football Insider.
The 48-year-old stepped down from his position as manager on 30 July, in a move which came as a surprise given the timing of the announcement, mid-way through pre-season.
He now intends on taking a break, much like what Klopp did when he decided to leave Liverpool in 2024, to focus on his health and get away from the stresses and strains.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Howe is not planning on returning to management any time soon, but will be back one day.
Following Klopp's departure from Liverpool, he joined Red Bull as their Head of Global Football, which allowed him to stay in the game but from afar.
It remains to be seen whether Howe could accept a similar role behind the scenes, or whether he will step away entirely until he is ready to return to management.
What is next for Eddie Howe after his Newcastle exit?
Football Insider revealed on 31 July that Howe decided to leave Newcastle "a while" before the official announcement was made, despite the sudden feel of his exit.
Growing frustrations behind the scenes regarding player sales and difficulties landing top targets are also likely to have played a part in his decision.
Newcastle are aiming to move on quickly, with their next appointement lined up, while the relationship with Howe is still believed to be positive.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It was surprise, the timing of it was probably the biggest surprise with everything that's going on at Newcastle just before the start of the season.
"Howe decided that he felt he'd taken Newcastle as far as he can, he needed a break from football and that seems to be the main reason for his decision to leave.
"It’s a bit like Jürgen Klopp, that situation there probably felt he needed a break and he didn't have the energy to continue.
"Obviously, we saw what Klopp did after leaving Liverpool, he stepped away from being involved at club level and took a role behind the scenes with Red Bull.
"I think he's leaving on unamicable terms, Eddie Howe, and as I said, he's ready to take that break for football, but I'm sure he'll bounce back at some point as well."
Could Howe land the England job?
Alongside the many similarities and comparison's to Klopp's situation, Howe has been heavily tipped to make his return to management in international football.
Klopp recently decided to step away from his role at Red Bull and take on the job as the manager of the German national team, following Julian Nagelsmann's exit.
Football Insider revealed back in 2024 that Howe "would love" to be England manager one day, and he has been widely tipped as Thomas Tuchel's replacement.
The current Three Lions boss signed a new contract ahead of the World Cup which will see him remain in charge until after the European Championships in 2028.
However, Howe is very strongly admired by the FA, and should he still be available when they come to change managers, he will be high on their shortlist.