Newcastle United are poised to unveil Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach on Saturday, a move that comes after the club formally confirmed the exit of Eddie Howe. According to Sky Sports News, the Magpies have reached an agreement to pay a compensation fee of roughly £9.5 million (about €11 million) to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli for the release of Jaissle. The German tactician, who previously enjoyed a successful spell at Red Bull Salzburg, is set to sign a four‑year contract that will keep him at St James' Park until at least 2028.
The club has arranged for the 38‑year‑old to join his new squad in Spain on Saturday, where Newcastle will be holding a pre‑season training camp in La Manga. This early meeting will give Jaissle a chance to assess his players, introduce his ideas and begin the process of shaping a team that can compete on multiple fronts. His first official assignment as manager will be a friendly against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium the following weekend, a match that will serve as a practical test of his tactics and a showcase for the fans eager to see the new direction of the club. Jaissle's appointment follows the official announcement on Friday that Eddie Howe had stepped down as head coach.
The club had delayed releasing Howe's statement until it could confirm the details of the incoming manager, ensuring a smooth transition. Howe, who had been at the helm for nearly five years, issued a heartfelt farewell after a period of personal reflection. In his statement he explained that he felt the time was right to step away, recharge and take a break after giving his all to the club. He described his tenure as the "privilege of his lifetime," recalling the historic Carabao Cup triumph in 2025 that ended a 70‑year wait for domestic silverware, as well as the back‑to‑back qualifications for the Champions League that cemented Newcastle's status among Europe's elite.
The 48‑year‑old manager expressed deep gratitude to the fans, the city and his family, noting that the bond with Newcastle will always remain a central part of his life. His 547‑word farewell highlighted both the highs and the challenges of his spell in the North East, emphasizing that he had always placed the club's interests above his own. Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson echoed these sentiments, thanking Howe and his staff for their extraordinary contributions and wishing them success in the future. Following Howe's departure, several members of his coaching team – Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone and performance director Dan Hodges – will also leave the club.
Their exit marks the end of an era and underscores the comprehensive overhaul that Newcastle is undertaking under its new ownership. The reaction from within the squad has been overwhelmingly positive.
Captain Bruno Guimarães took to Instagram to label Howe "the king of this club," praising the former manager for his influence on both his development as a player and his personal growth. Guimarães' post, accompanied by a photograph of Howe, read: "King of this club!! Thanks for everything you've done for us. I loved enjoying our time together.
Thanks for making me a better player and person! No words I can say will really say how much I enjoyed being your player.
Wish you all the very best in your future, gaffer." This tribute comes at a time when Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in signing Guimarães, adding another layer of intrigue to the club's summer transfer activity. Speaking of transfers, Newcastle have also reached an agreement in principle with Portuguese side Braga for the acquisition of Czech goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček. The Magpies intend to trigger his €30 million (£25.7 million) release clause and are currently negotiating payment terms. The 24‑year‑old has been granted permission to travel for a medical, and his signing would represent Newcastle's fifth summer addition, pushing the total summer spend to approximately £140 million.
Jaissle arrives at a pivotal moment for Newcastle. The club has invested heavily in the squad, aiming to build on the foundation laid by Howe while also injecting fresh ideas and a modern, high‑pressing style of play that Jaissle employed at Salzburg. His reputation for developing young talent and implementing a dynamic, attacking philosophy aligns with Newcastle's ambition to compete for both domestic trophies and a consistent presence in the Champions League.
Off the pitch, the club continues to engage fans through various digital platforms, encouraging them to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, videos, analysis and more. The club also urges supporters to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video experience on its website and to download the Sky Sports app for real‑time news.
Additionally, fans can participate in promotional activities such as the "Super 6" competition, offering a chance to win £250,000. In summary, the transition from Eddie Howe to Matthias Jaissle marks a significant chapter in Newcastle United's evolution. While Howe leaves behind a legacy of historic achievements and deep emotional connections, Jaissle brings a fresh perspective, a proven track record in European competition, and a clear vision for the future. The upcoming pre‑season camp in La Manga, the friendly against Valencia, and the integration of new signings like Lukáš Horníček will all serve as early indicators of how quickly the new regime can establish its identity and continue the club's upward trajectory.