Newcastle agree deal in principle with Al Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle to replace Eddie Howe

Newcastle United have reached a full agreement with Al Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle for the German to take over from Eddie Howe, according to reports in Germany and the UK.

German journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport Germany reports that the deal for Jaissle is “completely done”, with all personal terms between the 38-year-old and the Premier League club said to be 100% agreed.

Jaissle ‘very keen’ on Newcastle role

Plettenberg says Jaissle was enthusiastic about the Newcastle job “from the start” and quickly reached an understanding with the club over the details of his contract and role.

Newcastle have reportedly decided to activate the release clause in the Al Ahli coach’s contract and have formally informed the Saudi Pro League side of their intention to appoint him.

Jaissle is expected to sign a contract running until 2030 in the coming days, which would give him one of the longest managerial deals currently in the Premier League.

Howe chooses to step down after five years

The development comes after The Athletic reported on Thursday that Eddie Howe has decided to leave his position following five years in charge of the Magpies.

The 48-year-old Englishman, who took over at St James’ Park in November 2021, had previously indicated at the end of last season that he wanted to continue in the job.

However, according to the same report, Howe informed the Newcastle hierarchy that he wished to step away from football for a period and take a break from management.

His decision is described as amicable, with no suggestion of a breakdown in relations. Newcastle’s ownership group are said to have already prepared a succession plan in anticipation of his eventual departure.

Background to the change

Howe’s spell at Newcastle lasted five years in total, including the period before and after the club’s takeover by the Saudi Arabia-backed consortium. During his tenure, Newcastle re-established themselves in the top half of the Premier League and returned to the Champions League.

Jaissle, meanwhile, has been in charge of Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia and previously built his reputation in European football management before moving to the Saudi Pro League.

Newcastle are yet to issue an official statement on Howe’s exit or Jaissle’s expected arrival, and Al Ahli have not publicly commented on Newcastle’s notification that they intend to trigger the German’s release clause.

Formal confirmation of the managerial change is anticipated once the contractual paperwork is completed and Jaissle signs his deal through to 2030.