Newcastle poised to appoint former Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle

Newcastle United are close to appointing Matthias Jaissle as their new manager after agreeing a compensation package with Al-Ahli Saudi FC to release the German from his contract.

The Premier League club will pay about £9.5m (€11m) to Al-Ahli for Jaissle, according to British broadcaster Sky Sports. He is expected to sign a four-year contract, with an official announcement due in the coming hours.

Newcastle agreed to meet Al-Ahli’s financial demands after the Saudi club maintained its position over the compensation owed for the manager. The deal would complete one of the summer’s most significant managerial appointments, with Jaissle selected to replace Eddie Howe.

Jaissle had previously been close to extending his contract with Al-Ahli for the same four-year period. However, negotiations broke down over several contractual terms, including the German’s request for a clause guaranteeing him the full value of his contract if he was dismissed. Al-Ahli’s management rejected that proposal.

The agreement with Newcastle now clears the way for Jaissle to begin a new challenge in the Premier League, following a highly successful spell in charge of Al-Ahli.

Jaissle left the Saudi club after three seasons, having been appointed in 2023 as the successor to Pitso Mosimane. During that time, he helped guide Al-Ahli through one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

Under Jaissle, Al-Ahli won the AFC Champions League Elite twice in succession and also lifted the Saudi Super Cup. Those achievements established the German as a major figure at the club before his expected move to English football.

His appointment at Newcastle would mark the next stage of a managerial career that has quickly developed on the international stage. The club’s decision to pursue him came after identifying him as the preferred candidate to succeed Howe.

Newcastle’s agreement to pay the compensation fee follows Al-Ahli’s insistence that its financial rights be respected. With the two clubs now understood to have reached a final settlement, Jaissle is expected to take charge of the English side once the formal announcement is made.

The move brings an end to uncertainty over the 37-year-old’s immediate future after the collapse of discussions over a new Al-Ahli contract. It also means Newcastle have secured the manager they wanted, while Al-Ahli will receive compensation for releasing a coach who delivered major silverware during his three seasons in Saudi Arabia.