Newcastle United

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Newcastle lost 2-1 to Bayer Leverkusen in Matthias Jaissle's first game at St. James' Park on Saturday.

Ibrahim Maza opened the scoring for the visitors before Newcastle changed shirts from their black and white home kit to their lilac third strip,during the first half hydration break because of an apparent colour clash.

Malick Thiaw - wearing the captain's armband - headed the Magpies level just before the break but Victor Boniface scored the winner late on just moments after being introduced from the bench.

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Newcastle striker William Osula says the squad are "all excited" about beginning the Premier League season under new head coach Matthias Jaissle.

The 23-year-old had struggled to establish himself in the Magpies' first team in the summer of 2024, but became more established last season.

However, he returns to a much-changed side with a new manager and without several key figures of the Eddie Howe era.

"A new manager bringing in a new style that he likes to play so everyone is getting ready for the season to start next week," Osula told BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck.

"We've already learned his play styles in and out of possession and how he likes to play tactically. It has been good.

"I want to continue to show what I can do, remain confident. I know what I can do on the pitch so it's just keeping doing that."

Osula was bought to the club by Howe and is grateful for the faith shown in him by the now departed Magpies boss.

"[There are] Some things that you don't expect but I spoke to them and wished them all the best for the future," he added. "I showed my gratitude for all they've done for me and how they've helped me so far.

"Now, we've got a new manager and I'm looking forward to working with and playing well under him."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle reporter

Some of you have been asking via our Newcastle United Ask Me Anything form whether the club's summer transfer window has been reminiscent of the Mike Ashley era.

It is a question few would have imagined being asked nearly five years on from the Saudi-led takeover.

But this has been a testing 12 months for the project, following the departures of key players Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, and a bruising 12th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Rather than aiming to merely preserve their top-flight status though, like in the Ashley era, those at the very top insist Newcastle's long-term ambition remains to consistently compete for the biggest trophies.

They are just going to have to plot a different path to get there - and trading will be a key part of that.

Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson spoke last week about building a model that "can win", but also one which doesn't lead to Uefa sanctions and the sale of players the club do not want to lose.

The hope will be, eventually, that Newcastle's revenues, wage capacity and on-the-field results will be such that they keep apace and hang on to their best players.

However, given the financial rules in place, I have always maintained the biggest indicator of the owners' ultimate ambition will be what they do with the club's infrastructure.

The wait goes on for an update on the future of St James' Park and the prospect of building a new stadium.

But Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson said a few days ago that an announcement on plans for a new state-of-the-art training ground is due "very soon".

That should be rather revealing.

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Newcastle players were making the "same mistakes" in their 3-1 loss to Everton in pre-season on Wednesday, says former Magpies defender Steve Howey.

The Premier League returns next week and Howey believes Matthias Jaissle's side need the time to work on the same issues from last season.

"I was just a little bit disappointed at half-time because it's familiar players - the players that will be making the starting line-up against Liverpool - that are making the same mistakes again," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle after the match.

"And I'm talking missing chances, even though they might be half-chances and some of them were but some of them were more than half-chances.

"When you've got the ball getting drilled into you, make it stick, but it's bouncing off players, and I'm just thinking we used to see that last season. And I know there's been the World Cup, and you have still got time to work on these things - it's not going to improve straight away, it's going to take time. But it was just annoying because it is the same players making the same mistakes again.

"They'll have a little bit of a breather as such, they'll stretch off and do whatever they have to do, but then go again at the weekend with the two games before getting really ready for the start of the season. Only they'll know individually and collectively if they're ready, but whether they're ready or not, it's coming."

Listen the full analysis below or on BBC Sounds here

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Journalist Ian Murtagh and former defender Steven Taylor discuss Newcastle's new era under Matthias Jaissle.

Murtagh told BBC Radio Newcastle: "To be brutally honest, I think Newcastle could struggle this season. Let's not beat about the bush.

"They have lost four leaders. They've lost their three best players. The three players who opposition teams hated playing against. Gordon was the enforcer of the pressing game, Tonali was the piston of the side.

"Bruno was the driving force. Not only that, but he had the voice and the wisdom and the experience in the dressing room.

"Out of the five new signings, at least three of them have to hit the ground hard."

Taylor added: "Like you said they have to hit the ground running, I think the supporters will be very hard on them if they're not delivering.

"Tonali was the engine room and I think it's going be very difficult. He was my favourite player, watching him play week in week out, he was an absolute machine and he made us tick at times."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here

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Newcastle were beaten 3-1 in a pre-season friendly by fellow Premier League side Everton at Murrayfield Stadium.

After the match, manager Matthias Jaissle shared his thoughts with BBC Radio Newcastle: "The start was really good. Exciting to see how the players can perform in the way we want to play. Unfortunately then after the first goal we conceded, which was a setback and something we need to address also in all honesty.

"In the second half we changed completely. I'm always happy to see the young lads from the academy, giving them game time and them doing good against physically strong opponents.

"In the end when we scored, out of a good structure, out of a phase in possession, there are elements to see where we can build on."

On how concerned he is about squad depth, Jaissle said: "We handle these things internally, we are aware of what we need and there is still some time.

"We use every day in the best possible way to make progress and the same will be in the transfer market, hopefully things also progress.

"There is still a couple of days to go but it is not in my hands."

Listen to the full chat below or here on BBC Sounds

Newcastle are pressing ahead with talks to sign right-back Amar Dedic from Benfica, with the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, 23, valued at around £25m. (Mail), external

Brighton and Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, 22, is a target for Newcastle as they look to replace Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes and Italian Sandro Tonali. (Mail), external

Meanwhile, Magpies midfielder Joe Willock is open to joining Besiktas, with a 20m euros (£17m) deal possibly enough to secure the Englishman. (Foot Mercato - in French), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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It is common practice these days for transfer fees to have performance-based add-ons. The theory is the selling club gains more if the player goes on to be extremely successful, while the buying club is to some extent protected financially if the transfer doesn't work out.

In some cases, the total value of add-ons is significant - Real Madrid could end up paying an extra £30m to Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham depending on how successful he is over the course of his career in the Spanish capital, for example.

In others, like the potential £1.7m worth of add-ons Brighton's £29.78m signing of Greece Under-21 forward Charalampos Kostoulas, are less significant.

Clubs sometimes say add-ons are 'easily achievable' or 'difficult'.

Easier-to-achieve add-ons can include things like making a basic number of appearances, or scoring a certain amount of goals. Add-ons can also be attached to a team's success rather than the individual player's - a club may agree to an add-on requiring an extra payment if they qualify for Europe, for example.

Others can be more ambitious - tied to extreme levels of individual or collective success, like winning the Champions League or the Ballon d'Or.

An example of the difficulty add-ons can present when discussing valuations would be the claims made in the Portuguese media in 2022 that the first additional payment in Darwin Nunez's £64m-plus-add-ons move from Benfica to Liverpool was triggered by the Uruguayan making just 10 appearances.

Then Liverpool boss Arne Slot rejected speculation he had not started Nunez in some games because it would trigger an additional payment.

Whether Liverpool paid more for Nunez, or club captain Virgil van Dijk - for whom they paid a flat fee of £75m to Southampton in 2017 - cannot be determined without knowing exactly what add-ons were included in the Nunez deal, then figuring out which conditions he has and has not met.

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Everton came out 3-1 winners over Newcastle in an all-Premier League pre-season encounter at Murrayfield Stadium.

Toffees striker Thierno Barry put his side in front on 29 minutes with a precise angled finish into the bottom right-hand corner, before Iliman Ndiaye doubled the lead before half-time from the penalty spot.

Tyrique George put Everton firmly in control with his maiden goal for the club following his summer move from Chelsea.

Newcastle pulled a one back through Harvey Barnes with five minutes to go but it proved to be just a consolation goal for the Magpies in new boss Matthias Jaissle's second match in charge.

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Former Newcastle defender Steven Taylor tells BBC Radio Newcastle who he thinks should replace Bruno Guimaraes as captain: "I think Dan Burn. For me it's a no-brainer. Local lad, and I think he's a loud figurehead in the group. He leads by example as well, and I think on the pitch you need that, very vocal.

"You've got to have someone who understands the city, the club, everything. And he is the man for me. The fans would love that as well, I'm sure.

"Newcastle is a different club to anyone else. I think bringing players here, they have to understand about the city, about everything.

"I've seen players over the years who have come, who have failed, who have been big names in different countries, but they haven't bought into the DNA of Newcastle and I think having the right people around the club like Dan Burn for example being the leader, he's the one person I think stands out for me.

"I think he leads by example, whether he plays or whether he doesn't. I think it's important for me that he takes the captaincy."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here

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Dan Burn says arriving back to join Newcastle's pre-season "feels like I'm coming into a new club as a new player".

Burn has been on holiday after helping England reach the semi-finals of this summer's World Cup but returned to Magpies training on Tuesday to a side in a very different state to the one he left at the end of last season.

Head Coach Eddie Howe departed and has been replaced by Matthias Jaissle, key players Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have all secured big money moves away, and five new signings have arrived - four of whom are aged 20 or under.

Burn, 34. is now a fan favourite for the captaincy after Guimaraes' exit, as the Magpies appear at the start of a major rebuild.

"Good to see everyone," Burn said in a video posted by club media, external.

"Obviously a lot of change. It feels like I'm coming into a new club as a new player. A lot of new players and it's going to be an exciting time.

"Got an opportunity to create a new culture, a new philosophy, a new way of playing. So, I'm excited for the few friendlies we've got coming up. It's a lot of learning. The manager has come in with a new philosophy, new ideas and new terminology.

"The lads have been doing it the last week so I'm just trying to pick that up as quickly as possible."

Asked how he feels returning to training after a gruelling campaign both domestically and internationally, Burn added: "Physically I feel fine. Mentally I'm glad I got a bit of a break.

"It was a long season and then having the World cup as well - it was more of a mental recharge. I wanted to have those few weeks so I can back excited to train and that's how I feel."

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Ciaran Kelly has been answering some of your latest Newcastle transfer window questions.

Liam asked: What's the latest with Newcastle? Who are we looking at for midfield beyond Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg? Any further attacking incomings?

Ciaran said: Newcastle United have made five signings this summer, but there are still gaps that need filling.

It was rather telling that new manager Matthias Jaissle referenced a "vacuum" at his unveiling on Tuesday following the departures of Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.

He also stressed "we are totally aware which positions we might need to strengthen".

A right-back is a priority and Benfica defender Amar Dedic, who previously worked with Jaissle at RB Salzburg, is among those targets under consideration.

Newcastle also want an experienced midfielder, but it was made clear last week that Marseille captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was just one of a handful of options they had their eye on. The other names on the list have been closely guarded.

Beyond that, the club will take into account Jaissle's assessment of the squad when it comes to strengthening other areas, such as the attack.

It was previously put to me that there could be another three incomings before the window shuts on 1 September.

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We asked for your views on who should be Newcastle's next captain after Bruno Guimaraes joined Arsenal. You can scroll down this page and see what BBC Radio Newcastle's Lee Hawthorn thinks as he ranked eight contenders.

Here are some of your comments:

Tony: Dan Burn for captain although it's a fair point in saying you need someone consistently likely to start most/all games and that might not be our local boy.

Phil: I'd go with either Malick Thiaw or Joelinton, and since we're talking modern football with "leadership groups" then I'd include Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar with the future looking towards Lewis Miley and Lewis Hall.

Peter: Best of both - Dan Burn to be club captain. He's a leader all around but unlikely to start so Malick Thiaw to captain the first team. We saw it with Jamaal Lascelles and Bruno Guimaraes/Kieran Trippier. Burn is the heartbeat of the club and the connection for the fans is needed at this time.

Gordon: With the squad in transition and some players needing to step up and be told what it means to be a Newcastle player there is no one better than Dan Burn. World Cup player, from the area, sets standards and won't be scared to give a team mate a rollicking!

Simon: We're in transition and it needs to be someone who 'gets' the club and can handle the pressure of it. Likely won't play all games but has to be 'Big' Dan Burn. Jacob Ramsey as on-field vice captain with an eye on the future.

Sam: Much as I love 'Big' Dan Burn, how many matches is he going to play this season? He is a leader but he won't be in every match day 11. Malick Thiaw only missed a couple of matches last season, was one of our most consistent players and should be a first 11 regular for the next couple of years. He's the forward looking choice.

Philip: Joelinton - knows the club just like Bruno Guimaraes, fights for the badge and supporters. If fit, I would expect him to play most of the games. Younger ones can learn from him, especially the midfield players.

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The Chronicle's Chief Newcastle United Writer, Lee Ryder assesses new Magpies head coach Matthias Jaissle's first week in charge, including his first game in the friendly win against Valencia.

Ryder told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I've seen a lot of negativity. I've seen a lot of narrative from the outside. But having gone into the La Manga camp, seen the team train, seen the team get a good win against Valencia, for me, I'm a lot more positive than I was at the start of the summer. I'm also realistic. There's been a lot of change, but I think there could be a decent team being built here. It's not all doom and gloom as far as I'm concerned.

"I was impressed by a lot of things over there. Toure, Bamba, look like good players, judged on what I've seen in training, judged on what was seen in the game. And it feels like there's other players now taking a chance as well.

"From last season it's like a new-look squad with three or four senior players going. And there's still going to be some players to come in as well. And obviously we've got a new manager who we're all getting to know. But so far, so good."

Listen on the link below or on BBC Sounds here

It was an unveiling that started with a handshake.

But no one needed reminding that Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle might not be quite so friendly in the coming weeks and months.

"Just the first time, guys," he said as he greeted reporters inside the media suite at St James' Park.

It set the tone.

Jaissle, wearing a black suit and grey shirt, cut a measured figure throughout his first extended news conference since taking charge of the club earlier this month.

But Premier League managers will come up against someone very different on the touchline.

Those who know Jaissle best even liken the difference between his on and off the field persona to Jekyll and Hyde.

• Read more from Ciaran on Jaissle's first news conference

Manchester United are prioritising Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, with the 21-year-old England international also in favour of a move to Old Trafford. (Sun, external)

Celtic and Ipswich Town are the clubs interested in Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has been told he can leave the club this summer. (Daily Express), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle has been speaking to the media for the first time since his appointment.

Here are the key lines from Tuesday's news conference:

• Newcastle United first made contact about the managerial role at the end of July. There were "never any doubts or question marks" around the opportunity due to the club's "special history, great fanbase and clear DNA". In his eyes, it is a "perfect fit".

• It was good to have his new squad "all together with no distractions" for the week-long pre-season training camp in Spain, but he admitted: "I'm happy to be home - if I can say that - in Newcastle."

• The 38-year-old is aware of the "big challenge" he has taken on, with the club being in a "transitional period", but it only makes sense to "see the opportunity" in the situation.

• He explained: "I'm here to do the best job possible. Of course I would've loved to be here from the beginning, but that's something I cannot influence. We are totally aware of the positions we might need to strengthen, but we are confident in the players we have right now."

• Nick Woltemade has been urged to "leave the past behind him because it is something he cannot change". Instead, he is being encouraged to "look forward and feel optimistic" about the upcoming season.

• On what he has been asked to deliver in his first season: "Ambition, but that will not happen overnight. Firstly, we need to have a clear vision of where we want to get to. If we have synergy between the fans, players and staff, I'm sure we will be successful."

• When asked about his playing style, he replied: "Intense football with a vertical approach, target-orientated because we want to score goals, plus aggressive and front-footed."

• The pre-season double-header against Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg this weekend will give him the opportunity to see "amazing" St James' Park with a fuller crowd.

• He added: "When I walked out onto the pitch here for the first time, alongside my assistant coaches, we were just looking at each other with big smiles and goosebumps. It was really special."

• On having a reputation for being passionate in his technical area: "That's my personality. I'm quite emotional on the touchline, but I will need to respect my box a little bit more. I'm a bit scared, I need to learn the rules. I had a long line in Saudi Arabia and I think my GPS [step count] was quite high!"

• Following Bruno Guimaraes' recent exit, he is yet to appoint a new club captain. It will be a tough decision as all of the players are showing "huge commitment" day in, day out.

• On the fans already coming up with a Matthias Jaissle chant: "I've got my spies on social media who have told me a special song has already been created. I'm really happy the fans already appreciate me a lot. It has given me a really nice feeling."

Lee Hawthorn
BBC Radio Newcastle

BBC Radio Newcastle have been discussing which player should be appointed captain for Newcastle United's 2026-27 season, following the departure of Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal.

Lee Hawthorn gave eight potential options for the the armband and you can read all about them on this page, but here are his top two players that he wants new head coach Matthias Jaissle to consider for captaincy.

2. Malick Thiaw

So, hands up, Malick Thiaw wasn't originally on this list. I had seen some chatter online about the defender potentially taking the armband but I hadn't really seen anything to suggest he would be. Obviously, Matthias Jaissle has seen something in the German that I haven't because Thiaw was the captain in the new head coach's first game in charge for the friendly with Valencia. There's a chance it was just a nice birthday presenter for Thiaw but at 25-years-old he's now one of the older players of the new crop for Newcastle 2.0 and was one of the few players who finished last season with any credit. I still think there is a chance Newcastle will name a club captain, but now my eyes have been opened to the very real possibility to Malick Thiaw leading the Mags out at St. James' Park this season.

1. Dan Burn

He's from Blyth. He was selected for England's 2026 World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel largely because of his ability to set standards in training and be a leader in the dressing room and he has always given his all for the club since arriving in the summer after the takeover. If Lewis Hall and Sven Botman stay fit, you can't imagine Burn will get too many minutes on the pitch, but his experience, connection to the club and his general demeanor make him a natural choice for club captain. He has already etched his name in the club's history with that iconic header in the Carabao Cup final, imagine if he was the one lifting the next trophy with the armband on.

Scroll down for the full discussion or listen to the full clip above and on BBC Sounds here

Tell us, who do you think should be captain?