Eddie Howe put pen to paper on a deal that could take him way beyond the initial 2024 expiry date of the contract he signed back in November last year.
United's owners have been keen to put the finishing touches to an extension for Howe since the tail end of last season when he guided Newcastle to safety with plenty of time to spare. But those talks have continued over the summer and with new sporting director Dan Ashworth concurring on the consortium's view that Howe should be handed a new deal, the club wanted to put the idea to incoming CEO Darren Eales too.
Eales is eagerly anticipating the chance to work with Howe and work is already under way for the years ahead. And on the recruitment front, Howe knows that he will not only get the players he needs - one way or another - in this window, he can rest assured scouts are already identifying targets for both January and the main summer window in 2023.
Howe goes into a new season with a record worthy of the comparisons to club greats
Eyebrows were raised when Howe was compared with Kevin Keegan this week by former skipper Rob Lee. To those outside of the north east the high praise may come as something of a shock.
But a quick look through the record books shows that Howe's record stand up to the best of them. Howe will go into the new campaign with a win ratio of 48.1% with 13 wins from 27 games in the top-flight. Sir Bobby Robson sits below him on 44.1% with a record of 83 wins from 188 games.
Howe still has some way to go to match King Kevin though with the former England boss having a record of 54.5% with 78 wins from 143 matches. Although after signing his new deal there's plenty of time yet.
Message from Saudi Arabia and rest of Newcastle consortium after Howe deal
The paperwork for Howe's long-term contract - which includes all of his backroom team - was signed off by officials at Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Group this week.
After arriving at the club in October last year they made it clear that ambition was at the top of their agenda but also stated it won't come overnight. Perhaps their statement said it all this weekend it read: "We are excited to have secured Eddie’s long-term future. "He is a young, dynamic and ambitious coach who fits Newcastle United well; we look forward to working with him and supporting him as we strive towards achieving long-term success."
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