Last season was joyous for Newcastle. They brought an end to their 70-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and finished fifth to secure Champions League football.
Howe sent supporters off for the summer full of optimism during his final news conference of the season on 25 May — confirming the club would not be hindered by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and acknowledging the need to move quickly in the market.
But the reality has been very different.
Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales will step down once the club find a successor after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
Meanwhile, two days after the season concluded, sporting director Paul Mitchell announced he would leave his post at the end of June and the club are yet to appoint a replacement.
Howe, his nephew Andy and head of recruitment Steve Nickson have taken charge of the search for new additions in the meantime.
«There’s been too much change at executive level and they are short of people in those key roles,» said BBC Radio Newcastle reporter Matthew Raisbeck.
«It means more work for Eddie Howe and really Newcastle should be taking the pressure off him so he can focus on coaching the team.
«This felt like it could be a transformative summer given the club are clear of the serious PSR issues they had last year. They have the ability to spend money but they haven’t managed to close deals.
«Top targets have gone elsewhere, there have been ongoing sagas, and they have to get things right off the field.»
Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle that the club is «lacking leadership at the moment».
«Eddie Howe said acting fast in the window was key but it’s been a tough summer and this Alexander Isak situation is yet another problem causing more anxiety among the fanbase,» Howey added.
