A former Premier League winner has delivered his verdict on Newcastle United’s summer transfer business and head coach Matthias Jaissle.
Former Celtic and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has admitted he has been saddened by the departure of several key players from Newcastle United this summer - but insisted the Magpies can still shine under new head coach Matthias Jaissle.
Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have all made big money departures from St James Park over the last two months after helping United qualify for the Champions League on two occasions and end their 70-year wait for major domestic silverware with their Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool last year. Former club captain Kieran Trippier also departed on a free transfer when his contract came to an end and has since joined Championship club Wolves.
Matthias Jaissle, Manager of Newcastle United looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at St James' Park on August 15, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Matthias Jaissle, Manager of Newcastle United looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at St James' Park on August 15, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
However, the arrival of former Al Alhi head coach Jaissle has sparked some positivity within the Magpies setup - and Sutton has delivered a positive assessment of the new man in charge at St James Park.
Writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, the former Premier League winner said: "I like everything I have seen from new Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle, but he has had the heart ripped out of his team with Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes leaving. They were two absolute monsters in midfield, who were horrible to play against, but they have gone. So has the influence of Anthony Gordon and the experience of Kieran Trippier. It is sad to see. That's not to say Newcastle can't do well now, but I think their fans are realistic about this season and how it will go.”
‘A fascinating game’
Former Celtic player Chris Sutton (Pic: Getty Images)placeholder image
Former Celtic player Chris Sutton (Pic: Getty Images) | Getty Images
Despite his positivity over Jaissle’s impact, Sutton believes the new Magpies head coach will suffer a defeat on his Premier League bow and backed former United striker Alexander Isak to impress against his old club.
He said: "This will be a fascinating game because Liverpool are still adapting to life under Andoni Iraola and have struggled defensively in pre-season. Hopefully they can run for more than half an hour now, too. I don't think they will have any problems up front, however. Alexander Isak will get quite a reception - and not in a good way - from the home crowd but I do think he will shine for Liverpool this year, starting on Sunday. Sutton's prediction: 1-3."
Your next Newcastle United read:Newcastle United v Liverpool live: Team news & build-up ahead of Alexander Isak return & Kevin Keegan tribute