Newcastle United are set to announce Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach on Saturday after Eddie Howe’s exit was confirmed. Sky Sports News can reveal the club has agreed to pay £9.5m (€11m) compensation to Saudi side Al Ahli for the German manager.
Jaissle, who previously managed Red Bull Salzburg, will sign a four-year contract at St James’ Park. The plan is for the 38-year-old to meet up with his new players in Spain on Saturday at their training camp in La Manga. His first match in charge will be a pre-season friendly against Valencia at the Mestalla next Saturday.
Jaissle’s imminent appointment comes after Newcastle officially announced Howe’s departure on Friday, a day after Sky Sports News had revealed his exit.
The reason the Howe statement was held up was to allow the club to ensure the Jaissle deal was agreed.
Jaissle’s first match in charge will be a pre-season friendly against Valencia at the Mestalla next Saturday.
Howe steps down ‘to recharge and take a break’
Howe says managing Newcastle has been the privilege of his life after confirming he had stepped down as head coach.
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The 48-year-old ended the Magpies’ 70-year wait for domestic silverware with Carabao Cup glory in 2025, as well as overseeing qualification for the Champions League twice.
The Premier League club confirmed his exit on Friday afternoon, saying they had accepted his decision to step down and thanked him for his “extraordinary contribution”.
Departing Howe said in a lengthy statement: “After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role as head coach of Newcastle United.
“After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break.
“Although it’s been incredibly difficult to make this decision, I know in my heart that it’s the right one. I have always put the best interests of Newcastle before my own in every single decision I have made whilst I’ve been here and this one is no different.
“It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have been the manager of Newcastle United.
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“It is difficult to put into words what this club, the city and its supporters mean, and will always mean, to me and my family.”
Howe’s heartfelt 547-word message reflected on the highs and lows of his time in the north east, where he created memories that he will “cherish for the rest of my life”.
Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson added: “Eddie and his staff leave with the deep gratitude and respect of everyone at Newcastle United, and with a lasting place in the club’s history.
“While we are naturally disappointed to see Eddie leave, we remain immensely thankful for everything he has done for the club.
“On behalf of our owners, board, players, staff and supporters, I would like to extend sincere thanks to Eddie for his outstanding service and leadership, and wish him and his family every success and happiness for the future.”