Newcastle United have already agreed a deal to welcome Matthias Jaissle’s first signing at the club in the form of talented goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.
Every time Newcastle believe the storm has passed, another wave arrives to compile their misery. The Magpies have been forced to bid farewell to Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, with Bruno Guimaraes likely to add to that list. On paper, it couldn’t get much worse. In reality, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Eddie Howe has now followed suit and departed his role at St James’ Park, ending a six-year spell at the club in which he took those on Tyneside from relegation candidates to Champions League football and Carabao Cup victory.
In his place, Jaissle is set to arrive from Al Ahli. The 38-year-old is a surprising option and is not a name that many will be familiar with. PIF will be well aware of his expertise, however, after he won back-to-back AFC Champions League titles.
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Matthias Jaissle career path |
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|---|---|
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Newcastle United |
2026 – |
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Al Ahli |
2023-2026 |
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Red Bull Salzburg |
2021-2023 |
|
FC Liefering |
2021-2021 |
|
AKA Salzburg U18 |
2019-2021 |
|
Brondby IF (assistant manager) |
2017-2019 |
|
RB Leipzig U17 (assistant manager) |
2016-2017 |
|
RB Leipzig youth (assistant manager) |
2014-2016 |
It’s a big test for Jaissle and undoubtedly his biggest job yet, but Newcastle are already backing their man in the transfer market. With under a month to go until the Premier League campaign gets underway, the Tyneside club have made a significant step towards signing Hornicek.
Newcastle agree deal to sign Hornicek
As reported by TeamTalk, Newcastle have now agreed a deal to sign Hornicek after triggering his €30m (£25m) release clause. The Magpies are set to welcome the SC Braga shot-stopper, who is likely to become their new No.1 ahead of fellow new signing Ewen Jaouen.
His arrival will also reportedly open the door for Nick Pope to leave, ending another era at St James’ Park in a summer full of big-name changes.
In terms of quality, it’s easy to see why Newcastle have been targeting the goalkeeper. Hornicek kept 12 clean sheets at SC Braga last season and conceded just 33 goals. At 24 years old, he’s only just getting started and should become the Magpies’ No.1 for years to come.
On top of that, the Braga star saved two penalties and kept a save percentage of 69%. In a summer full of moments to forget, signing Hornicek would represent impressive business from PIF, who’d be starting Jaissle’s tenure in the best way possible.