Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixture is at home to Liverpool on 23 August. Transfer exits place Howe relationship under scrutinyHowe’s departure follows a turbulent summer in which Newcastle sold two of their most influential players. In comments reported by Reuters shortly before his departure, Howe admitted that he could not guarantee Guimaraes would remain at St James’ Park. Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season and consequently missed out on European football. Sacked debate should not obscure Howe legacyUntil Newcastle provide an official explanation, describing Howe as having been sacked would be premature.