Newcastle United are poised to confirm the appointment of Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach on Saturday, after the club officially confirmed Eddie Howe's resignation. Sky Sports News reports that the Magpies have agreed to a compensation package of approximately £9.5 million (around €11 million) to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in order to secure Jaissle's services. The 38‑year‑old German, who earned a reputation for his progressive footballing philosophy while managing Red Bull Salzburg, will sign a four‑year deal that will see him take charge at St James' Park. According to the club's plan, Jaissle will travel to Spain on Saturday to meet his new squad at their pre‑season training camp in La Manga.
This gathering will give the manager a chance to assess the players, introduce his tactical ideas and begin building the relationships that are essential for a successful season. His first official appearance on the touchline will come in a friendly match against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium the following weekend, providing a first glimpse of his approach against a quality La Liga side. The announcement comes just a day after Newcastle publicly confirmed Howe's exit, a move that had been hinted at earlier in the week when Sky Sports broke the news of the manager's departure.
The club delayed releasing Howe's statement until the Jaissle deal was finalised, ensuring a smooth transition between the two regimes. In a statement released on Friday, the club thanked Howe for his "extraordinary contribution" and accepted his decision to step down.
Howe, 48, reflected on his tenure in a heartfelt 547‑word message, describing his time at the club as "the privilege of my life". He highlighted the historic achievement of ending a 70‑year wait for domestic silverware by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025, as well as guiding Newcastle to Champions League qualification on two occasions. Howe explained that after nearly five years of giving his all to the club, he felt it was the right moment to step away, recharge and take a break for personal reasons.
He expressed deep gratitude for the support of the fans, the city and his family, saying the bond he forged with Newcastle would remain with him forever. Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson echoed those sentiments, praising Howe and his staff for their dedication and noting that they leave with the respect and gratitude of the entire organization. Hopkinson added that while the club is disappointed to see Howe go, they remain immensely thankful for the progress made under his leadership and wish him and his family every happiness in the future.
In the wake of Howe's departure, several members of his coaching team – Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone – along with performance director Dan Hodges, will also leave the club. Their exit underscores the complete change in direction that Newcastle is undertaking as they look to build a new identity under Jaissle. The transition has already sparked reactions from the playing squad. Captain Bruno Guimarães took to Instagram to label Howe the "king of this club", posting a photo of the former manager with a heartfelt caption thanking him for his influence both on and off the pitch.
Guimarães praised Howe for making him a better player and a better person, and wished him all the best in his future endeavors. The tribute came at a time when Arsenal have shown interest in the Brazilian midfielder, adding another layer of intrigue to the club's upcoming transfer activity. Speaking of transfers, Newcastle have also moved forward with a significant signing in goalkeeper Lukas Hornícek. The 24‑year‑old Czech has agreed to join the club after Newcastle triggered his €30 million (approximately £25.7 million) release clause with Braga.
The two clubs are currently finalising the payment terms, and Hornícek has been granted permission to travel for a medical examination. This acquisition will mark Newcastle's fifth signing of the summer, bringing the total summer spend to around £140 million. Jaissle's arrival signals a shift towards a more dynamic, high‑pressing style of play, mirroring the approach he implemented at Salzburg, where he developed a reputation for nurturing young talent and employing innovative tactical systems.
Newcastle fans can expect a focus on fluid attacking movements, aggressive pressing, and a commitment to developing the club's academy prospects. The manager's four‑year contract suggests the club is looking for stability and a long‑term project, rather than a short‑term fix.
The upcoming pre‑season schedule will be crucial for Jaissle to imprint his philosophy. In addition to the Valencia friendly, Newcastle will face a series of other opponents as part of their preparation for the 2024‑25 Premier League campaign.
These matches will provide a testing ground for new signings, including Hornícek, and will allow Jaissle to experiment with formations and player roles. Overall, the transition from Eddie Howe to Matthias Jaissle marks a new chapter in Newcastle United's recent history. While Howe leaves behind a legacy of cup success and European qualification, Jaissle brings a fresh tactical vision and a commitment to developing a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
The club's leadership, supporters, and players will be watching closely as the new manager begins his tenure, hoping that the blend of experienced signings and emerging talent will propel Newcastle to new heights in the seasons ahead.