Matthias Jaissle Set to Replace Eddie Howe as Newcastle United Manager
Newcastle United is preparing to make a major coaching change just weeks before the new Premier League season begins. Eddie Howe, the English manager who has been at the helm for five years, is close to stepping down. The club's board is in advanced talks with Matthias Jaissle, currently managing Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli Jeddah, to take charge of the team moving forward.
Howe’s Unexpected Exit
According to The Athletic, 48-year-old Howe informed the Newcastle board that he wants to step away from football temporarily to rest. Although he had expressed interest in continuing after last season, his decision to leave came on good terms. Newcastle had already prepared contingency plans for his departure.
Jaissle Emerges as Top Candidate
Negotiations with Jaissle have progressed quickly. The German coach leads Al-Ahli and is viewed as the ideal candidate to guide Newcastle into their next chapter. Earlier reports from Saudi media revealed Jaissle had not renewed his contract with Al-Ahli, with disagreements over certain clauses.
Rising Coaching Talent
At just 38, Jaissle is considered one of Europe’s most promising young managers. He guided Al-Ahli to AFC Champions League Elite titles in both 2025 and 2026. It’s notable that both Newcastle and Al-Ahli share the same majority owner, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Before joining Al-Ahli in 2023, Jaissle made his mark at Red Bull Salzburg, where he won consecutive Austrian league titles and Austrian Cups. His teams are known for high pressing and attacking football.
Howe’s Legacy at Newcastle
Eddie Howe arrived in November 2021 following Steve Bruce’s departure after the PIF takeover. When he took charge, Newcastle was struggling near the bottom of the table. Howe managed to save them from relegation in his first season and then led them to fourth place in 2022-23, securing Champions League qualification.
He also delivered Newcastle’s first major trophy since 1955 by winning the English Football League Cup in 2025, defeating Liverpool in the final. That marked the club's first silverware in 70 years.
Challenges Last Season
The previous campaign was less successful. Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League and were eliminated from the Champions League in the round of 16, suffering a heavy 8-3 aggregate defeat to Barcelona. Only five wins in their last 17 league matches increased doubts about Howe’s future.
Despite these setbacks, club meetings involving the PIF suggested a willingness to give Howe another chance, though acknowledging the results were below expectations.
Transfer Activity Amid Uncertainty
Howe’s possible exit coincides with a busy transfer window. Newcastle sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for £100 million. Reports also link Bruno Guimaraes with a move to Arsenal, the current Premier League champions.
Howe’s Career Path
Prior to Newcastle, Howe had two spells managing Bournemouth, separated by a short time at Burnley. His time with Newcastle appears set to end officially within days.
- Manager departing: Eddie Howe
- Potential successor: Matthias Jaissle
- Current club of Jaissle: Al-Ahli Jeddah
- Jaissle’s achievements: AFC Champions League Elite winner 2025, 2026
- Newcastle recent league finish: 12th in Premier League
- Recent trophies: English Football League Cup 2025
- Key transfers out: Anthony Gordon (£69.3m), Sandro Tonali (£100m)
- Owner of both clubs: Saudi Public Investment Fund
