Matthias Jaissle Emerges as Favourite to Succeed Eddie Howe at Newcastle United

Newcastle United are set for a change in the dugout, with German manager Matthias Jaissle emerging as the surprise favourite to replace Eddie Howe at St James’ Park. Howe, who has been in charge since November 2021, is expected to leave the club after nearly five years, according to reports. The 48-year-old led Newcastle to their first domestic trophy in 70 years – the 2025 Carabao Cup – but the club finished 12th in the Premier League last season and missed out on European football for 2026-27.

Jaissle, 38, currently manages Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli and has built a reputation for winning trophies with an attacking, high-pressing style. His appointment would align with Newcastle’s Saudi-backed ownership, given his success in the region.

Who is Matthias Jaissle?

A former centre-half, Jaissle came through Stuttgart’s youth system and played for Hoffenheim from 2007 to 2014. He represented Germany at Under-21 level but was forced to retire at 25 due to injury. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Danish club Brøndby (2017–2019), then took over RB Salzburg’s Under-18 side before managing Liefering in Austria’s second tier. He guided Liefering to a second-placed finish – the club’s joint-best – and earned the top job at RB Salzburg in 2021, replacing Jesse Marsch.

In two seasons at Salzburg, Jaissle won two Austrian Bundesliga titles and one Austrian Cup. His squad included now-Premier League players Benjamin Šeško (Manchester United), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United) and Karim Adeyemi (Barcelona).

Asian Champions League success and Saudi links

Jaissle moved to Al-Ahli in 2023 and led the club to consecutive Asian Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026. His side features England striker Ivan Toney, Brazil defender Roger Ibañez and former Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Such success is likely to have impressed Newcastle’s Saudi ownership, who are familiar with the standards of the Saudi Pro League.

The connection to England manager Thomas Tuchel is also notable. Tuchel, who was a youth coach at Stuttgart when Jaissle was a player there, recently praised Jaissle’s feedback before including Toney in England’s World Cup squad. “I had fantastic feedback from his club coach, who was my player and I have a close connection with him,” Tuchel said.

What Newcastle fans can expect

Supporters will be encouraged by Jaissle’s tactical approach. His teams are known for high-pressing, attacking football that demands intensity and forces turnovers high up the pitch. This style could appeal to a fanbase that has grown accustomed to Howe’s proactive methods.

However, Jaissle would inherit a squad that has been weakened by key departures. Last summer, striker Alexander Isak moved to Liverpool for a British record £125 million. This summer, Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham, Anthony Gordon moved to Barcelona, and Arsenal are pursuing captain Bruno Guimarães. Newcastle lost 4-1 to Championship side Bristol City in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, highlighting the squad’s current state.

Key facts

Why this matters

For Newcastle United, the managerial change marks a pivotal moment. Howe restored pride and delivered a trophy, but last season’s drop-off – combined with the loss of star players – has created uncertainty. Jaissle’s record in Austria and Asia suggests he can build a competitive side, but the Premier League presents a far tougher challenge. His ability to adapt to English football, manage a squad in transition, and potentially persuade Ivan Toney to return to England will be closely watched. For US and global soccer fans, this story adds another layer to the evolving landscape of Premier League management, where Saudi ownership and continental experience are increasingly intertwined.

Source: BBC Sport – https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cy8eglx37gdo