Alan Shearer has described the timing of Eddie Howe's departure from Newcastle United as baffling, admitting the resignation came as a genuine shock with the new Premier League season just three weeks away.

Speaking to Betfair, the Newcastle United and England legend said: "I'm very, very surprised. I guess it's strange timing with three weeks to go until the new season kicks off. I don't know what's gone on — whether it was the end of last season, whether it was the summer, whether he feels they can't continue to sell his best players. I'm led to believe it was Eddie's decision to leave."

An incredible ride

Howe spent nearly five years in charge at St James' Park, guiding the club back from the brink of relegation and delivering the Carabao Cup — Newcastle United's first major silverware in 70 years — with a victory over eventual Premier League champions Liverpool at Wembley in 2024-25. It was the club's first trophy since the FA Cup triumph under Doug Livingstone in 1954-55.

Shearer, now a prominent pundit with BBC Sport, was generous in his praise for Howe's legacy. "It's been an incredible ride," he said. "The job that he did was unbelievable from where he took us when he came — there was a real threat of relegation. He steadied the ship, got us climbing the league, brought in some wonderful players, and gave us the day that we've so craved. Whatever happens now, the Geordies will always be grateful for what he gave us that day."

Tough questions ahead

Yet Shearer was equally candid about the difficulties the club now faces. The former Magpies striker voiced frustration over the sales of key players, with Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon following Alexander Isak out of the door. He believes captain Bruno Guimaraes could be next to leave.

"There's no doubt this season's going to be a tough one for Newcastle," Shearer said. "You can't keep selling your best players in the hope that you're going to get to where you want to get to."

Jaissle in the frame

Newcastle United are understood to have set their sights on Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle as Howe's successor. The 38-year-old, who guided Al-Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles, is a product of the Red Bull coaching system. Al-Ahli, like Newcastle United, are majority-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Whether Jaissle's background has prepared him for the intensity of St James' Park remains to be seen.