Newcastle United have made a shock approach to replace Eddie Howe with former Barcelona manager Xavi, despite the Englishman recently guiding the club to its first trophy in over half a century.
According to a surprise report from Football Transfers, Newcastle have made initial contact with Xavi as part of an early enquiry about potentially leading the next phase of the project on Tyneside.
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The news comes just weeks after Howe’s Magpies lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley, beating Liverpool 2-1 to end a 56-year wait for silverware.
Newcastle make shock move to replace Eddie Howe with former Barcelona boss
Eddie Howe has not only delivered success in the form of a trophy, but has Newcastle currently fourth in the Premier League, with Champions League qualification still on the cards.
And yet, the report suggests Newcastle’s owners are already looking ahead. There is a belief at boardroom level that a manager like Xavi could accelerate the project, both in terms of playing style and international appeal.
The timing of this speculation will raise eyebrows. Howe remains a popular figure among fans, not just for his achievements, but for the culture and identity he has instilled since arriving at the club.
Xavi open to Premier League move
The Football Transfers report adds that Xavi is open to returning to management, and views the Premier League as an ideal next step following his exit from Barcelona.
Xavi guided Barça to the La Liga title in 2022/23, but left the club last season under intense pressure. Still just 45, the Spaniard is seen as a manager with high tactical IQ and a strong pedigree of working with elite players.
His coaching philosophy, rooted in possession and positional play, could suit Newcastle’s long-term ambitions—but it would be a bold and controversial decision to move on from a manager who has already brought tangible success.
For all of Xavi’s promise, replacing Howe would come with enormous risk. The former Bournemouth boss has rebuilt the club’s identity, led them to Champions League qualification last season, and now brought a trophy back to Tyneside.
To cast him aside at this point could destabilise progress and alienate a fanbase that has fully bought into the project under Howe’s leadership.
That said, Newcastle’s Saudi-backed ownership group are not here to settle for small steps. If they truly believe Xavi can lead the club into a new global era, this could be the first of many ambitious moves to come.
For now, it is just contact—but the fact that talks have begun suggests Newcastle are already planning their next chapter, even before this one has finished writing its final lines.