Jaissle reacts to Tomas Amaral’s arrival as Newcastle continue recruitment shift

Matthias Jaissle has welcomed the arrival of Tomás Amaral as Newcastle United’s new Head of First Team Recruitment, insisting there is clear alignment between everyone involved in the club’s transfer strategy.

Amaral has joined us as part of sporting director Ross Wilson’s ongoing restructure of our recruitment department, with the Portuguese tasked with leading our first-team scouting operation. 

Jaissle happy to have another expert on board

Amaral’s appointment represents another significant change behind the scenes at St James’ Park, with Newcastle looking to strengthen our ability to identify and recruit talent from across the European market.

The former Spartak Moscow sporting director arrives with experience at Benfica, where he held a scouting leadership role, and will work closely with Wilson as we continue to shape our long-term recruitment strategy.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Jaissle has welcomed the appointment, highlighting the value of bringing fresh expertise into the club while stressing the importance of everyone working towards the same objectives.

“It’s always good to improve things and Ross [Wilson] is the responsible guy who is leading that department.

“It’s always good for experts to have fresh energy and we’re looking forward to working together.

“Like it was in the last couple of days in the [summer] transfer window, it’s a pure and clear alignment between everyone involved.

“As a coach, you thrive for high expectations when it comes to signings.”

Jaissle’s comments suggest he is pleased with the direction of travel under Wilson, who backed the German in the closing weeks of the transfer window with moves for Amar Dedic, Nico Gonzalez and Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

The new era continues

The appointment of Amaral is the latest development in what has been a significant period of change at Newcastle.

Eddie Howe’s departure and Jaissle’s arrival marked a major shift in the dugout, while the summer transfer window saw several established names, including Bruno Guimarães, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, replaced by a number of younger, overseas recruits.

There have also been changes behind the scenes, with long-serving chief scout Steve Nickson and Andy Howe departing as the club reshapes its recruitment structure.

Amaral now arrives to lead our first-team scouting operation, reporting to Wilson as we look to improve the identification of high-potential talent from all over the globe, marking a shift from paying inflated Premier League fees.

With success in this department absolutely key as we bid to edge closer to the 'big six', both on and off the pitch, let's hope Amaral and Wilson can find some gems in 2027 and beyond!