Newcastle can hire ‘best coach in the PL’ to replace Howe

It was a surprisingly bad season for Newcastle United in 2025/26. The Magpies enjoyed a brilliant campaign in 2024/25, qualifying for the Champions League again and, of course, lifting their first trophy in almost 60 years by winning the Carabao Cup.

However, things were not so simple under Eddie Howe this term. In 17 Premier League matches, the Magpies have won six times, lost six times and drawn the other five.

They are currently struggling to climb into the top half of the rankings, currently sitting in 14th place.

Their underlying numbers are certainly also much worse than last season.

How Newcastle’s start to the season compares to 2024/25

Several reasons could explain Newcastle’s difficulties this season. They are certainly overloaded with extra football, at least eight games due to the Champions League, and have also been hit by injuries.

However, there is a stark contrast when looking at some of their underlying numbers after 18 games this season compared to their memorable 2024/25.

Perhaps the obvious place to start is the points tally, with the Magpies on 29 points this time last season, compared to 23 this season.

Their goal difference is also a huge differential factor. It stood at +9 after 18 games in the 2024/25 season, but is at 0 for the current season.

Conceding goals hasn’t been as much of a problem, with the difference in this area being just two goals.

However, the score at the other end of the pitch took a huge hit. This time last season, the North East side had found the back of the net 30 times in the Premier League, but that number stands at just 23 in the current campaign.

Howe needs to sort out his team’s fortunes quickly, otherwise Magpies owners PIF may seek a manager change.

Newcastle could replace Howe with Premier League’s best

Newcastle’s owners are reportedly looking for other managers who could replace Howe. A report from the Mirror last month Bournemouth manager linked Andoni Iraola to the Magpies, who described him as an “admired man” amid links.

The Spaniard, described as the “best manager in the Premier League” by journalist James Horncastlehas been exceptional as manager of Bournemouth.

He has a positive record at the club, overseeing 40 wins in 105 matches so far and allowing the Cherries to punch well above their weight in recent seasons.

Iraola has certainly captured the imagination of supporters at the Vitality Stadium with his direct, vertical football.

This has certainly seen the Cherries become lethal in transition, a key factor in their success under the Spanish boss.

There has been no shortage of goals for Bournemouth’s attackers since Iraola was in the hot seat. Dominic Solanke made 21 in just 42 appearances for the Cherries before joining Tottenham Hotspur, and Evanilson has already found the back of the net on 15 occasions.

If the 43-year-old were to replace Howe at St James’ Park, then that sort of form could transfer to Newcastle’s centre-forwards.

Yoane warned is a player who could benefit from a transfer for Iraola.

He hasn’t had the easiest start to his career in the North East, struggling with injuries for the majority. Yet he has played six games now, scoring one goal in just 143 minutes.

His quality was particularly visible last season at Brentford. He is a true number nine, scoring 19 Premier League goals in 35 appearances, excelling with brilliant surface movement and a direct nature with the ball.

It certainly feels like the 29-year-old could benefit from a system that plays center forwards so much. He could well be a plug-and-play striker under Iraola, ready to hit the ground running under a manager who is used to scoring goals with his number nine.

If they made the bold move to sack Howe, Newcastle could do a lot worse than Iraola, who could improve the team’s fortunes and get Wissa fired.

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