Newcastle United are poised to unveil Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach on Saturday, a move that comes straight after the club confirmed the exit of Eddie Howe. According to Sky Sports News, the Magpies have reached an agreement to compensate Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli with a sum of £9.5 million (approximately €11 million) to secure Jaissle's services. The 38‑year‑old German, who previously enjoyed a successful spell at Red Bull Salzburg, will be offered a four‑year contract to lead the team at St James' Park.
The club plans for Jaissle to join his new squad at their pre‑season training camp in La Manga, Spain, this Saturday, where he will meet the players and begin implementing his footballing philosophy. Jaissle's appointment follows the official announcement on Friday that Eddie Howe would be stepping down as manager. The club had delayed releasing Howe's statement until the Jaissle deal was fully confirmed, ensuring a smooth transition for both parties. Howe, 48, left after a historic tenure that saw Newcastle break a 70‑year domestic trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025 and guiding the team to two Champions League qualifications.
In his own words, Howe described his time at the club as "the privilege of my life". He released a heartfelt 547‑word statement, reflecting on his five‑year spell, the emotional bond with the city, its fans, and the club’s staff.
He explained that after a period of personal reflection, he felt it was the right moment to step away, recharge, and take a break for the benefit of both himself and Newcastle. Howe expressed gratitude for the support he received and wished the club continued success. Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson echoed these sentiments, thanking Howe and his coaching team for their extraordinary contributions.
Hopkinson highlighted the deep respect and gratitude felt across the organization, from the owners to the supporters, and wished Howe and his family all the best for the future. The departing coaching staff, including assistants Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone, and head of performance Dan Hodges, will also leave St James' Park alongside Howe. Their departure marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter under Jaissle. Jaissle’s first test will be a pre‑season friendly against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium, scheduled for next Saturday.
This match will give the new manager an early opportunity to assess his squad, experiment with tactics, and begin shaping the playing style that he intends to bring to Newcastle. Beyond the coaching change, the club is also active in the transfer market. Newcastle have reached an agreement in principle with Portuguese side Braga for the signing of Czech goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček.
The 24‑year‑old is set to become Newcastle's first‑choice keeper once the club triggers his €30 million (£25.7 million) release clause. Negotiations over payment terms are ongoing, and Horníček has already been granted permission to travel for a medical examination. This acquisition will be the fifth major signing of the summer, pushing the club’s total summer spending to around £140 million.
The news of Howe’s departure also resonated with the players. Team captain Bruno Guimarães publicly praised his former manager, calling him the "king of this club" in an Instagram post. Guimarães thanked Howe for his guidance, both on and off the pitch, and expressed admiration for the impact Howe had on his development as a player and as a person.
The post highlighted the deep personal connections forged during Howe’s tenure and underscored the emotional weight of his exit. While Newcastle focus on the transition, other Premier League clubs are watching closely. Arsenal, for instance, have shown interest in Guimarães, indicating that the midfielder’s future could also be on the move. The combination of a new manager, potential player departures, and ongoing transfer negotiations suggests a period of significant change for the club.
Fans can stay updated on the latest developments by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp, where the outlet promises continuous coverage, videos, features, and analysis. The club also encourages supporters to download the Sky Sports app for the most accessible experience, especially when using Chrome for optimal video playback. In summary, Newcastle United are embarking on a fresh chapter with Matthias Jaissle at the helm, following Eddie Howe’s emotional and historic exit. The club is balancing managerial change with strategic signings, aiming to build on recent successes and set a solid foundation for the upcoming season.
The upcoming friendly against Valencia will serve as Jaissle’s inaugural match, offering a glimpse into the tactical direction he intends to pursue. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Lukáš Horníček aims to strengthen the squad’s defensive stability. As the summer transfer window progresses, Newcastle supporters can look forward to a dynamic period of evolution both on and off the field.