Newcastle are preparing to enter a new era after Eddie Howe’s resignation was officially announced on Friday.
Howe leaves after almost five years at St James’ Park, having overseen two Champions League qualifications and the club’s first major trophy in 70 years.
However, Newcastle’s 12th-place finish last season was a major disappointment, while sweeping changes to the squad have created uncertainty around the direction of the club.
Matthias Jaissle is now expected to become Newcastle’s new head coach.
The 38-year-old German previously won two Austrian league titles with Red Bull Salzburg before joining Al-Ahli in 2023.
He built his reputation even more in Saudi Arabia by delivering back-to-back Asian Champions Leagues and is known for favouring intense pressing, quick forward passes and direct attacking football.
Jaissle has reportedly agreed a four-year contract and could join Newcastle’s training camp in Spain this weekend.
One of his first jobs will be addressing Bruno Guimarães’ future.
Arsenal have made the midfielder a leading target and are reportedly confident that a deal can be reached after agreeing personal terms.
Guimaraes was absent when Newcastle travelled to their pre-season camp, although the club’s position is that he was always due to report later following his World Cup involvement.
The Brazilian has been central to Newcastle’s progress since arriving from Lyon in January 2022.
Losing him immediately after Howe’s departure would represent another major blow for a team who have already waved goodbye to both Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle will therefore need reinforcements capable of helping Jaissle build a younger side around his own methods.
Giorgio Scalvini has now re-emerged as a possible defensive target.
Newcastle’s admiration for the Atalanta centre-back is not new.
Scalvini was one of heir leading defensive targets last summer as Howe searched for a long-term successor to Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.
No move materialised, but the Italian’s age, size and technical ability have ensured that he remains an attractive option.
Scalvini joined Atalanta’s academy in 2015 and made his Serie A debut at only 17.
He soon became a regular under ex-boss Gian Piero Gasperini, operating in central defence and occasionally stepping into midfield. His comfort in possession, ability to carry the ball forward and willingness to defend aggressively would appear suitable for Jaissle’s preferred approach.
Scalvini was part of the Atalanta squad that won the Europa League in 2024 and has already collected eight senior Italy caps, with Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig calling him ‘elite’ both in and out of possession.
He also returned to more regular action last season, making 24 Serie A appearances and scoring three times.
However, his fitness record would require careful examination.
Scalvini ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on the final day of the 2023/2024 Serie A season, ruling him out of Euro 2024.
After returning, he then suffered a serious shoulder injury in January 2025 and missed another lengthy period.
Muscular issues complicated his recovery, while adductor and ankle problems have caused further interruptions.
Newcastle would consequently be investing in considerable potential, but also a player whose availability has been unreliable in recent seasons.
According to Italian journalist Luca Cerchione, Scalvini’s new agent, Ali Barat, has been particularly active in England and has received enquiries from Newcastle.
Cerchione also claims Atalanta value their academy graduate at around £34 million.
There is no suggestion yet that Newcastle have submitted an offer or opened formal negotiations.
Nevertheless, their previous interest gives the latest enquiry greater significance than an entirely new link.
At £34m, Scalvini could represent an attainable addition with the potential to anchor Newcastle’s defence for years.
His injury history makes the deal far from risk-free, but his quality and experience remain unusual for a 22-year-old defender.
As Jaissle prepares to replace Howe and Guimaraes edges towards a possible departure, Newcastle’s next decisions will reveal how ambitious their latest rebuild truly is.
