Matthias Jaissle has been appointed as the new head coach of Newcastle following Eddie Howe’s departure, the English Premier League club announced Wednesday.
The 38-year-old Jaissle, a former Germany Under-21 international, previously managed Saudi side Al-Ahli but has no prior experience managing a top-tier team.
“It is an incredible honour to become head coach of Newcastle United,” said Jaissle.
“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. 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.”
Jaissle’s playing career was cut short by injuries at the age of 25.
His first managerial role was with Austrian team Liefering, where he led them to a second-place finish in the second tier, the club’s best ever.
Jaissle took over at Red Bull Salzburg in 2021, winning consecutive Austrian titles as well as the Austrian Cup.
Jaissle joined Al-Ahli in 2023 and led the team to AFC Champions League victories in 2025 and 2026.
Although he is not a well-known manager, he is familiar to Newcastle’s principal owner, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, which purchased a controlling stake in four Pro League clubs, including Al-Ahli, in 2023.
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson stated, “Matthias is one of the most exciting and highly regarded young coaches in football, and I’m delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United.”
“We have conducted a thorough process, and he has emerged as the clear candidate for the role. He possesses all the qualities we were looking for.”
Jaissle faces a difficult assignment given Howe’s five-year reign at Newcastle, during which he revitalised a struggling club.
Howe succeeded Steve Bruce in November 2021 and won the League Cup in March 2025, defeating Liverpool in the final to give the northeast club its first major trophy since 1969.
The former Bournemouth manager also guided Newcastle to Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025.
However, handicapped by star scorer Alexander Isak’s extended move to Liverpool, the Englishman faced criticism as the Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League last season, with 17 defeats in 38 games.
Newcastle advanced to the Champions League last 16 but were defeated 8-3 on aggregate by Barcelona.
The club has since been depleted by the close-season departures of Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and England forward Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, with Howe reportedly frustrated at losing several of his best players in order for Newcastle to meet Premier League profit and sustainability regulations.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes is also likely to leave St James’ Park, according to reports on Wednesday that Premier League winners Arsenal had agreed to buy the Brazil midfielder for £75 million ($101 million).
The Magpies begin the 2026/27 Premier League season at home against Liverpool on August 23, with an enthusiastic Jaissle stating, “I am incredibly excited about the future.
“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.”
