Newcastle United has officially announced the hiring of Matthias Jaissle as the club’s new head coach, following Eddie Howe’s exit.
The 38-year-old former Al Ahli manager joined the squad at their preseason training camp in La Manga, Spain, over the weekend, and has begun his role now that all necessary paperwork is complete.
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Reports indicate that Newcastle paid Al Ahli a substantial compensation fee exceeding £9 million ($12 million) to secure Jaissle on a four-year contract.
His arrival comes just 18 days before Newcastle’s opening matchup of the new Premier League season against Liverpool at St James’ Park on August 23.
“It is an incredible honor to be appointed head coach of Newcastle United,” Jaissle stated in a club announcement. “This is one of the largest clubs in European football, with a distinctive history, identity, and dedicated fanbase, and I’m eager to experience that passion firsthand.
“When an opportunity with Newcastle United arises, you take note. The club’s ambition, its vision for the future, and the opportunities ahead make this an incredibly appealing position. I have closely followed the club’s recent journey, and the progress made is evident to all.”
Jaissle comes to St James’ Park with an impressive track record, having led RB Salzburg to back-to-back Austrian titles before moving to the Saudi Pro League in 2023, where he secured consecutive Asian Champions League titles with Al Ahli.
Newcastle’s majority stakeholder, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, acquired a controlling interest in four clubs, including Al Ahli, within the Saudi Pro League in 2023.
“Matthias is one of the most exciting and respected young coaches in football, and I am delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United,” said Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson. “We conducted an extensive search, and he emerged as the top candidate for this position, possessing all the qualities we were looking for.”
Jaissle has a significant challenge ahead as he steps into the role following Howe’s decision to resign after nearly five years at the helm.
The former Bournemouth manager took charge in November 2021, shortly after Amanda Staveley’s consortium completed the takeover, and led the Magpies back from the brink of relegation with substantial financial support.
During his tenure, he reestablished the bond between the fans and the club, igniting optimism that culminated in a return to Champions League football and capturing their first major domestic trophy in 70 years with the Carabao Cup in March 2025.
However, Howe’s departure followed a challenging 2025-26 season, further complicated by Alexander Isak‘s move to Liverpool before the season began.
This summer’s exits of Kieran Trippier, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali, coupled with the potential exit of captain Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal, have left the squad in a state of transition.
Jaissle’s inaugural match as Newcastle’s head coach will be a preseason friendly against Valencia at the Mestalla on August 8.
“I am extremely optimistic about the future,” Jaissle added. “I wholeheartedly believe in this project, the ambition of the club, and the direction it is taking. There is a clear vision, strong leadership, and an exceptional foundation to build upon.”
PA contributed to this report.