Matthias Jaissle leaves Al Ahli as German coach emerges as leading candidate for Newcastle job

German coach Matthias Jaissle has resigned from his role at Al Ahli Saudi, declaring his intention to take on a new challenge next season amid advanced talks over a move to Newcastle United.

Al Ahli’s 38-year-old manager submitted his resignation to the club’s hierarchy and made clear he wants to return to Europe, according to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah via its official X account.

Jaissle is understood to be among the front-runners to succeed Eddie Howe at Newcastle, with several reports stating that negotiations between the Premier League club and the German have reached an advanced stage as the Magpies prepare for a change in the dugout.

Howe set to depart after five years

The Athletic reported on Thursday that Howe has decided to step down from his position in the coming days, bringing an end to a five-year spell in charge at St James’ Park.

Despite previously expressing a desire to continue after the end of last season, the 48-year-old Englishman has now informed the Newcastle board that he wishes to step away from football for a period and take a break.

The report described the decision as amicable, with Howe and the club parting on good terms. Newcastle’s ownership is said to have already drawn up a plan to manage his departure, paving the way for a swift appointment of a successor.

Jaissle’s rapid rise

Jaissle has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, enhancing his profile significantly during his time in Saudi Arabia.

Since taking over Al Ahli in 2023, he has implemented an aggressive, high-pressing attacking style and led the club to back-to-back AFC Elite Champions League titles in the 2025 and 2026 editions of the competition.

Those achievements have strengthened his standing as a coach capable of delivering success in continental competition and managing high-pressure environments a profile that has attracted Newcastle’s attention as they plan for the new campaign.

Success in Austria before Saudi move

Before his move to the Saudi Pro League, Jaissle made his name at Red Bull Salzburg, where he continued the club’s tradition of high-intensity football and player development.

He guided Salzburg to two consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles and also lifted the Austrian Cup, underlining his ability to sustain domestic dominance while competing on multiple fronts.

That spell in Austria, combined with his recent continental triumphs with Al Ahli, has positioned Jaissle as a leading figure among a new generation of German coaches.

With Howe poised to leave and Newcastle’s succession plan already in motion, Jaissle’s resignation from Al Ahli is expected to further accelerate the process that could see him take charge at St James’ Park for the 2026-27 season, although neither club has yet made any official announcement on an appointment.