Matthias Jaissle is the surprise favourite to replace Eddie Howe as Newcastle head coach. Howe, 48, is set to leave St James' Park after nearly five years, having won the Carabao Cup in 2025 for the club's first domestic trophy in 70 years.

The 38-year-old German, currently managing Saudi side Al-Ahli, played for Hoffenheim before injury forced retirement at 25. He coached at Brondby, Liefering, and RB Salzburg, winning two Austrian Bundesliga titles and the Austrian Cup. His Salzburg side featured Benjamin Sesko, Brenden Aaronson, and Karim Adeyemi.

At Al-Ahli, Jaissle secured consecutive Asian Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026, attracting attention from Newcastle's Saudi ownership. His teams employ high-pressing, attacking football, demanding intensity and forced turnovers high up the pitch.