Newcastle United have formally announced Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach, with the 38-year-old taking over from Eddie Howe.

Jaissle, who replaces Howe, has already linked up with the squad at their pre-season training camp in La Manga after the completion of his paperwork.

It is understood the club paid more than £9 million in compensation to appoint the former Al-Ahli manager.

The former RB Salzburg coach said: “It is an incredible honour to become head coach of Newcastle United. This is one of the biggest clubs in European football, with a unique history, identity and supporter base, and I am excited to experience that passion and connection first-hand.

“When Newcastle United comes your way, you take notice. The ambition of the club, the vision for the future and the opportunity ahead made this an incredibly compelling place to be. I have followed the club’s journey closely in recent years and the progress that has been made is clear for everyone to see.”

Jaissle arrives at St James’ Park with an impressive record, having led Salzburg to successive Austrian league titles before moving to the Saudi Pro League in 2023, where he went on to win back-to-back Asian Champions League titles with Al-Ahli.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the majority owners of Newcastle, acquired controlling stakes in four Pro League clubs, including Al-Ahli, in 2023.

Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson said: “Matthias is one of the most exciting and highly regarded young coaches in football and I’m thrilled to welcome him to Newcastle United.

“We have conducted a thorough process, and he has emerged as the clear candidate for the role. He possesses all the qualities we were looking for.”

Jaissle has a major task ahead on Tyneside after Howe chose to step down from the post on Friday following almost five years in charge.

Jaissle takes over from Eddie Howe in the Newcastle dugout.

The former Bournemouth manager was appointed in November 2021, only weeks after Amanda Staveley’s consortium completed its takeover, and with the help of significant investment he hauled the Magpies away from the threat of Premier League relegation.

In doing so, he rebuilt the bond between supporters and the club and generated fresh optimism, which was rewarded with a return to Champions League football and a first major domestic trophy in 70 years when Newcastle won the Carabao Cup in March 2025.

However, Howe left after a difficult 2025-26 season, which was thrown off course even before it began by Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.

This summer’s exits of Kieran Trippier, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, along with the reported likely departure of captain Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal, have left the squad in a period of uncertainty.

Jaissle must now bring stability off the pitch before Newcastle begin the new season at home to Liverpool on August 23.

He added: “I am incredibly excited about the future. I fully and unreservedly believe in this project, the ambition and the direction the club is taking.

“There is a clear vision, strong leadership and an exceptional platform to build on.”