Newcastle United have moved quickly to fill the void left by Eddie Howe's surprise exit, announcing Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach on a four-year deal at St. James' Park.

The Magpies have reportedly paid £9.5m in compensation to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli to secure the services of the German tactician, who left his role at the Saudi club following a hugely successful tenure.

A remarkable coaching CV

Jaissle arrives on Tyneside with an impressive pedigree. He led Al-Ahli to back-to-back Asian Champions League titles, becoming the first coach in history to achieve the feat, and won 90 of his 138 games in charge (D25 L23).

Prior to his spell in Saudi Arabia, the 38-year-old won two Austrian Bundesliga titles with Salzburg, where he was appointed head coach at the age of just 33. He also guided the Austrian side to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history, winning 68.5% of his games in charge (P89 W61 D19 L9).

Jaissle: 'An incredible honour'

Speaking to the club website after his appointment, Jaissle expressed his excitement at taking the helm at St. James' Park.

"It is an incredible honour to become head coach of Newcastle United," Jaissle said. "This is one of the biggest clubs in European football, with a unique history, identity and supporter base, and I am excited to experience that passion and connection first-hand.

"When Newcastle United comes your way, you take notice. The ambition of the club, the vision for the future and the opportunity ahead made this an incredibly compelling place to be.

"I am incredibly excited about the future. I fully and unreservedly believe in this project, the ambition and the direction the club is taking. There is a clear vision, strong leadership and an exceptional platform to build on."

The German added: "I cannot wait to get started and will attack this opportunity. I give my complete commitment and total energy to bringing further success to Newcastle United."

First Premier League test

Jaissle will take charge of his first Premier League game on August 23, when Newcastle host Andoni Iraola's Liverpool at St. James' Park.