Who is Matthias Jaissle – the man expected to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle? | OneFootball

Eddie Howe is set to leave Newcastle United head coach after five years in charge, with Matthias Jaissle the frontrunner to replace the Englishman.

Since taking over from Steve Bruce in November 2021, Howe has guided the Magpies to their first domestic trophy in 70 years after winning the Carabao Cup in 2025, as well a qualification to the Champions League twice, in 2023 and 2025.

German Jaissle, who is currently in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, is now the person expected to take the reigns at St James’ Park. Having already lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali to Barcelona and Tottenham respectively, the club could also lose captain Bruno Guimaraes, with Arsenal believed to be preparing a bid for the Brazilian international.

So who is Matthias Jaissle, and why is he the one Newcastle’s owners want?

Still a relatively young manager at 38-years-old, Jaissle’s coaching career started almost a decade ago in 2017, when he was assistant coach of Danish side Brondby for two years until 2019. Prior to this, he was a Germany Under-21 international, having played for German side Hoffenheim between 2007 and 2014. Jaissle, who played as a centre back, would call time on his playing career at just 25-years-old, after retiring due to a chronic knee injury.

After his spell in Denmark, Jaissle would head to Austria, taking over RB Salzburg’s Under-18 side a couple of weeks after leaving Brondby. 18 months later, the German was on the move again, taking his first managerial role in senior football at Austrian second division side FC Liefering in January 2021, where he would finish second, equalling the club’s all-time highest finish.

This achievement caught the attention of his former club RB Salzburg, who appointed the then 33-year-old as their new head coach, replacing Jesse Marsch. In his first season, Jaissle managed to achieve the domestic double, as well as guiding Salzburg to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history. In his second season, he achieved another league title, before reaching the Europa League knockout stages after finishing third in their Champions League group. However, on the eve of the 2023/24 season, Jaissle was relieved of his duties.

Jaissle was then appointed as head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, where he presides as of this moment. The German took over for the 2023/24 season, and guided them to third place, achieving qualification to the AFC Champions League. In 2024/25, Jaissle would take Al-Ahli to their first ever continental title after defeating Kawasaki Frontale in the final. He would repeat the feat the following season, defeating Machida Zelvia in extra time to become the first coach to win two consecutive AFC Champions League titles.

This trophy winning pedigree alongside his high-pressing philosophy, something that is commonly seen at Red Bull owned clubs, could well represent a fresh start for Newcastle, who have altered their transfer policy towards younger, less established players this summer, who would appeal more to this type of football.