Newcastle United have confirmed German coach Matthias Jaissle as head coach following his departure from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. The 38-year-old arrives to replace Eddie Howe after Howe ended his five-year spell in charge of the club.
Jaissle joins Newcastle after guiding PIF-owned Al-Ahli to successive AFC Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026. Newcastle described the German as one of Europe's leading young coaches and stated he emerged as the clear outstanding candidate during their recruitment process.
"It is an incredible honour to become head coach of Newcastle United," Jaissle said. "This is one of the biggest clubs in European football, with a unique history, identity and supporter base, and I am excited to experience that passion and connection first-hand."
"When Newcastle United comes your way, you take notice," Jaissle added. "The ambition of the club, the vision for the future and the opportunity ahead made this an incredibly compelling place to be. I have followed the club's journey closely in recent years and the progress that has been made is clear for everyone to see."
Summer squad changes
The appointment comes during a summer of upheaval for Newcastle. Winger Anthony Gordon left for Barcelona earlier in the summer, while midfielder Sandro Tonali moved to Tottenham.
Club captain Bruno Guimaraes is also closing in on a £75million move to Arsenal. Despite the departures, Jaissle stressed that Newcastle have a clear vision and stated that he believes unreservedly in the ambition and direction of the club.
"I am incredibly excited about the future," Jaissle said. "I fully and unreservedly believe in this project, the ambition and the direction the club is taking. There is a clear vision, strong leadership and an exceptional platform to build on."
"My teams are built on togetherness, hard work, intensity and a passion to improve every single day," Jaissle said. "I will bring full commitment, full energy and a determination to give everything I have to help this club achieve its ambitions."
Coaching history and first match
Jaissle previously coached Red Bull Salzburg, leading the club to two Austrian titles before moving to Al-Ahli. He will take charge of Newcastle for the first time when they face Valencia on Saturday at the end of their training camp in La Manga.
Newcastle announced the appointment on social media on August 5, 2026. Howe confirmed he was stepping down as Newcastle boss in a statement last week.
Howe led Newcastle to their first major trophy in 70 years in 2025. He also took the team to the Champions League on two occasions during his tenure.
Sporting director assessment
"I believe there is enormous potential within this squad and throughout the football club," Jaissle said. "I am excited to work with the players, staff and leadership team to help take the club forward. I cannot wait to get started and will attack this opportunity. I give my complete commitment and total energy to bringing further success to Newcastle United."
Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson praised the new head coach following the appointment.
"Matthias' leadership style and football philosophy are strongly aligned with our sporting vision," Wilson said. "His teams play high-energy football and we could feel his passion during all of our discussions throughout the recruitment process."
"He has consistently demonstrated an ability to improve players, build cohesive teams and create elite performance environments in his coaching career," Wilson added. "His successes at Salzburg and Al-Ahli underline his ability to deliver results while developing a clear football identity. We believe he is uniquely positioned to build on the strong foundations already in place and help take Newcastle United forward."
