Jaissle heads for Newcastle after success in Saudi Arabia that has eluded so many

German coach was almost unknown on arrival in Saudi Pro League in 2023 but clinched major titles and won over fans

Taking over a big, underachieving port city club with a loyal fanbase that is desperate for success should not faze Matthias Jaissle. Should he take the role vacated by Eddie Howe, the 38-year-old German will leave Jeddah as a hero and arrive in the north-east as one of the most successful coaches in the history of Asian football.

A decade younger than Howe, Jaissle has achieved plenty, not only surviving in a Saudi Pro League that chews through coaches at a rapid rate but emerging victorious. It also helps that Al-Ahli and Newcastle share the same Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) owners.