Newcastle United are set to appoint Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach following Eddie Howe’s departure, with the German expected to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli to take charge at St James’ Park.
The 38-year-old has emerged as Newcastle’s preferred choice after Howe stepped down earlier this week following nearly five years in charge.
An official announcement is expected once the final details of the move are completed.
Rising reputation in European and Asian football
Jaissle arrives with an impressive reputation despite his relatively young age.
After beginning his senior managerial career with Red Bull Salzburg, he won back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles and guided the club into the Champions League knockout stages before joining Al-Ahli in 2023.
His move to Saudi Arabia initially raised eyebrows, but the German quickly established himself as one of the league’s standout coaches.
During his three years in Jeddah, he led Al-Ahli to consecutive AFC Champions League Elite titles and helped transform the club into one of Asia’s strongest sides.
The switch to Newcastle is also made easier by the fact that both clubs are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), allowing Jaissle to move within the same ownership group.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Eddie Howe leaves Newcastle Utd after nearly five years in charge
Replacing Eddie Howe’s legacy
Jaissle now faces arguably the biggest challenge of his coaching career as he replaces Howe, who oversaw one of the most successful periods in Newcastle’s modern history.
During his time at the club, Howe guided the Magpies away from relegation danger, secured Champions League qualification twice and ended the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025.
However, Newcastle endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, finishing 12th in the Premier League before Howe decided to step away from management after discussions with the club’s hierarchy.
Jaissle is expected to inherit a squad that will continue to change during the summer transfer window, with several key departures forcing Newcastle into a fresh rebuild.
Should the appointment be confirmed, Newcastle supporters will hope the highly-rated German can replicate the success he enjoyed in Austria and Saudi Arabia as the club looks to re-establish itself among the Premier League’s top sides.
READ NEXT: FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over World Cup incidents
