Matthias Jaissle signs and Newcastle reach full agreement for Lukas Hornicek

The Eddie Howe era at Newcastle United is officially over, and today will mark the start of a new one on Tyneside.

Matthias Jaissle is all set to arrive as the new head coach, joining from Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli.

Progress has been made on his arrival over the last 24 hours, and another first team signing is now imminent, with Lukas Hornicek all set to arrive from Portugal.

Jaissle signs Newcastle contract 

As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, Matthias Jaissle has now signed his contract at Newcastle United, with the announcement of his official appointment due any moment now.

The 38-year-old has penned a deal until 2030, keeping him at St James' Park for the next four years.

This comes after Newcastle agreed to pay the £9.5m (€11m) compensation package demanded by Al-Ahli, who were reluctant to lose the German given his huge popularity in the Middle East, where he secured Asian Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026.

Jaissle is now en route to La Manga, where he will meet the Newcastle United squad for the first time ahead of our warm weather training camp in Spain.

Hornicek move now imminent 

Another breakthrough has arrived this morning, as Lukas Hornicek's arrival from Braga is now imminent.

In a 'here we go' announcement, Fabrizio Romano reveals that the club now have a full agreement in place with the club and player after activating his £25m release clause.

Hornicek, 24, is now likely to join the Newcastle squad in La Manga over the coming days, seeing him become our fifth summer signing after moves for Ewen Jaouen, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure and Aladji Bamba.

The 6ft 6' stopper has shone in Portugal over the last few seasons, gained Europa League experience and received a call-up to the Czech national side.