The Al-Ahli manager is set to face Liverpool for the opening game of the against Liverpool in August according to reports.
Image Credits: Imago Images
Al-Ahli manager Mathias Jassle is set to face Liverpool in the opening game of the Premier League season at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe is set to depart the club according to widespread reports.
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Howe’s departure brings an end to a near five-year reign in which he dragged Newcastle from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers and Carabao Cup winners.
Yet, after last season’s slide to 12th and a summer dominated by the exits of high-profile players, Howe reportedly felt he wanted a break from football.
Appointed in November 2021 to replace Steve Bruce, the former Bournemouth boss oversaw 231 matches, masterminded a fourth-place league finish in 2022/23 and delivered the 2025 Carabao Cup – the club’s first major silverware since 1955.
Newcastle begin the 2026/27 Premier League season at home to Liverpool on Sunday 23 August, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 at St James’ Park
David Ornstein of the Athletic has reported that Eddie Howe is set to depart the club, with Jaissle as his replacement:
“Eddie Howe is set to leave his position as Newcastle United head coach, with Matthias Jaissle of Al Ahli poised to replace him.”
“The situation is amicable and Newcastle are well prepared for his exit, with talks between Jaissle and the club at an advanced stage.”
“Jaissle, 38, is a two-time Asian Champions League winner with Al Ahli – who, like Newcastle, are majority owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).”
The former Hoffenheim defender, has built a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches after spells within the Red Bull network at RB Leipzig’s youth teams, Brøndby as assistant, and then Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg as head coach.
At Salzburg he lifted back‑to‑back Austrian Bundesliga titles in 2021/22 and 2022/23, added the Austrian Cup in 2021/22 and led the club into the Champions League group stage.
Jaissle’s current club, like Newcastle, is majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and is no doubt easing negotiations.