Newcastle Could Reunite Matthias Jaissle With Ivan Toney as Magpies Begin New Era
Newcastle United are preparing to usher in a new chapter following the departure of Eddie Howe, with Matthias Jaissle expected to take charge at St James’ Park. As the club begins life under a new manager, one of the biggest priorities for the recruitment team will be strengthening the attack, and bringing in a proven goalscorer could be at the top of the agenda.
Jaissle inherits a squad in transition after a turbulent period for the Magpies. Howe’s exit brought an end to a memorable spell that lasted close to five years, during which he transformed Newcastle from relegation candidates into a team capable of competing with England’s elite. Under his leadership, the club secured Champions League qualification and famously lifted the Carabao Cup, ending Newcastle’s long wait for major silverware.
The club’s hierarchy, however, believes it is time for a fresh direction, with Jaissle identified as the coach capable of leading the next phase of the project. The German tactician arrives with an impressive reputation after his work in Saudi Arabia, but he will immediately face significant challenges.
Newcastle’s squad has already undergone major changes this summer. Midfield star Sandro Tonali has departed, while Anthony Gordon has also been sold. Reports continue to suggest captain Bruno Guimaraes could soon complete a high-profile move to Arsenal, leaving the Magpies without several of the players who formed the backbone of the Howe era.
Replacing that level of quality will not be easy, but perhaps the most pressing concern is Newcastle’s lack of goals.
The Magpies struggled badly in front of goal throughout last season after failing to adequately replace Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool in a blockbuster £125 million transfer the previous summer. The Swedish striker’s departure left a huge void that Newcastle never truly filled.
New arrivals Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa were unable to consistently deliver the goals expected of them, while young striker William Osula is still developing and has yet to prove he can lead the line in the Premier League. As a result, Newcastle lacked the cutting edge needed to compete for European qualification, eventually finishing 12th in the table and missing out on continental football altogether.
That disappointing campaign has only increased the urgency to recruit an experienced centre-forward this summer.
Fortunately for Jaissle, there may already be an obvious solution.
The 38-year-old spent the last three seasons working alongside Ivan Toney at Al-Ahli, where the England international rediscovered the devastating goalscoring form that made him one of Europe’s most highly-rated strikers.
Toney completed a £40 million move from Brentford to the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2024 and has gone from strength to strength under Jaissle’s guidance. Last season alone, the powerful striker produced an outstanding return of 32 league goals in just 32 appearances, establishing himself as one of the division’s deadliest finishers.
His influence extended beyond domestic competition as well. Toney played a leading role in Al-Ahli’s successful AFC Champions League campaign, helping the club retain the continental title for a second successive season and further strengthening his reputation as a world-class number nine.
Given their successful relationship, it is hardly surprising that speculation has emerged linking the pair with another reunion—this time in the Premier League.
While Toney has appeared settled in Saudi Arabia, the opportunity to work with Jaissle again at Newcastle could prove tempting. The Magpies remain one of England’s biggest clubs, boasting ambitious owners and a passionate fanbase eager to see the team return to European competition.
For Jaissle, signing a striker he knows and trusts would immediately solve one of his biggest tactical concerns. Toney possesses all the qualities Newcastle have lacked since Isak’s departure. He is an elite finisher inside the penalty area, dominates aerially, links play effectively and has already demonstrated he can thrive in English football.
Before moving abroad, Toney enjoyed a remarkable spell at Brentford, where he fired the Bees to Premier League promotion before establishing himself as one of the division’s most consistent forwards. His goals, physicality and leadership made him a nightmare for defenders and eventually earned him regular recognition with the England national team.
Financially, any deal would not be straightforward. Reports suggest Toney is earning a substantial salary in Saudi Arabia, meaning Newcastle would likely need to offer a lucrative package to persuade him to return. Even so, the club’s Saudi-backed ownership has shown a willingness to invest heavily when they believe the right player is available, particularly if it helps support a new manager.
Although recent reports indicate Toney has not actively pushed to leave Al-Ahli, Jaissle’s departure could naturally influence his thinking. Familiarity with the coach, combined with the chance to compete once again in the Premier League, may become increasingly attractive if Newcastle make a serious approach.
Jaissle has never hidden his admiration for the striker either. That respect was highlighted earlier this year when England head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed that his fellow German had provided “fantastic feedback” about Toney ahead of the striker’s surprise international recall for the World Cup.
Such glowing praise is unlikely to have gone unnoticed by Newcastle’s recruitment team. With the Magpies desperate to rebuild after a disappointing campaign and eager to begin the Jaissle era on a positive note, reuniting the new manager with one of the most prolific strikers he has ever coached could be one of the smartest moves of the summer.
If Newcastle are serious about returning to the Premier League’s top six and re-establishing themselves as European contenders, securing a proven goalscorer like Ivan Toney may prove to be the statement signing that kickstarts a new era at St James’ Park.
