Newcastle United name Matthias Jaissle as Head Coach following Eddie Howe exit

Matthias Jaissle (Pic: Newcastle United)

Newcastle United have appointed 38-year-old Matthias Jaissle as their new manager following the departure of Eddie Howe, who resigned after nearly five years at the club.

Jaissle will take charge of the team straight away at their preseason training camp in Spain, which wraps up on Saturday with a warm-up fixture against Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium.

"My teams are built on togetherness, hard work, intensity and a passion to improve every single day," said Jaissle, who becomes Newcastle's first German head coach after committing to a four-year contract.

The former Salzburg manager arrives after guiding Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli to consecutive Asian Champions League Elite trophies. He had originally joined Al-Ahli in 2023 following back-to-back Austrian league title victories with Salzburg. Since he remained under contract in Saudi Arabia, Newcastle reportedly paid a $12 million buyout clause to secure his services.

Newcastle kick off their English Premier League campaign on Sunday, August 23, hosting Liverpool at St James' Park.

"I believe there is enormous potential within this squad and throughout the football club," Jaissle said.

He added: "I am incredibly excited about the future. I fully and unreservedly believe in this project, the ambition and the direction the club is taking."

Jaissle confident of success despite departure of star players

Howe, who confirmed his resignation last Friday, took Saudi-owned Newcastle into the Champions League twice during his tenure and guided the club to the 2025 English League Cup, ending a 70-year drought for a major domestic trophy.

However, Jaissle inherits a squad undergoing significant roster turnover. Key figures Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali departed during the current transfer window, with skipper Bruno Guimaraes also widely tipped to leave. Their exits follow the departure of top goalscorer Alexander Isak last summer, when Newcastle ended their league campaign in 12th position.

Despite the squad changes, club leadership expressed complete confidence in their new appointment. Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson praised the incoming manager as "one of the most exciting and highly regarded young coaches in football."

"His track record of success, leadership qualities and relentless drive to improve make him an exceptional fit for Newcastle United," Hopkinson said.