Matthias Jaissle, the 38-year-old German coach, is reportedly set to join Newcastle United, following a highly successful tenure in the Saudi Pro League. He is expected to take over the role vacated by Eddie Howe.
Jaissle leaves Al-Ahli as one of the most successful coaches in Asian football history. He guided the club to back-to-back AFC Champions League titles in May 2025 and May 2026, making them the first team since Al-Ittihad (2004 and 2005) to achieve this feat.
During his time in Jeddah, Jaissle's Al-Ahli also finished third in his first season, qualifying for the AFC Champions League Elite. In his second season, despite an initial dip in form, the team secured more points than the previous year and mounted a domestic title challenge that faded in the final weeks.
Both Al-Ahli and Newcastle United are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Jaissle's straight-talking style and attack-minded, high-intensity playing style were noted for drawing a positive response from players and fans alike in Saudi Arabia.