adminNewcastle United have experienced a remarkable transformation since Eddie Howe took charge in 2021, guiding the club from difficult times back into European football and eventually leading the Magpies to Carabao Cup glory after defeating Liverpool at Wembley in 2025.
However, the past year has brought a major reality check for Newcastle. The club has undergone significant changes, with Matthias Jaissle now tasked with building a new team around his demanding and aggressive “vertical” style of football. So far, the German coach has collected eight points from Newcastle’s opening five Premier League matches.
There was always going to be a period of adjustment. Newcastle underwent a dramatic summer rebuild, with several of the key players who had become synonymous with Howe’s successful era no longer part of the project.
How Jaissle Is Rebuilding Newcastle
Although much of the foundation laid during Howe’s reign has disappeared, Jaissle is beginning to put his own identity on the team and get the best out of Newcastle’s new-look squad.
The 38-year-old coach arrived during a summer of sweeping changes at St James’ Park. Newcastle’s disappointing 12th-place Premier League finish triggered a major rethink, with several important names departing as the club attempted to reshape the squad.
At the time, some of those exits appeared damaging, but Newcastle could eventually benefit from the decisions they made in the transfer market.
Sandro Tonali is one example. The Italian midfielder has endured a difficult beginning to his career at Tottenham Hotspur after his £100 million move, while Newcastle will feel increasingly comfortable with the decision to cash in on him.
There have also been encouraging signs from some of Newcastle’s new arrivals. Sean Steur has already begun to look like excellent value for the reported £23 million fee, while Nico Gonzalez possesses the ability to develop into a major star after previously attracting Manchester City’s attention.
Nevertheless, Newcastle’s rebuilding process is far from complete, and Jaissle still has several areas that require improvement.
Where Newcastle Still Need To Improve
One of the biggest concerns has been Newcastle’s defence.
Sven Botman has struggled to reproduce the commanding performances he regularly delivered during Howe’s best years, while the Magpies have looked vulnerable at the back during the opening stages of the campaign.
Newcastle successfully resisted Manchester United’s attempts to sign Lewis Hall during the summer, but their heavy focus on rebuilding the attack and midfield has arguably left the defensive department looking less convincing.
That weakness has already been exposed this season.
Newcastle are among the Premier League sides to have committed more than one direct error that has resulted in a goal, while there have been several occasions when the team appeared to lose concentration under pressure.
Some of those problems can naturally be attributed to the transition under a new manager and a significantly altered squad. However, Newcastle’s hierarchy will also recognise that further investment could eventually be required to rebuild a defence that no longer looks as strong as it once did.
Jaissle already appears to be looking beyond the current campaign, with Newcastle reportedly considering defensive reinforcements for the next summer transfer window.
Newcastle Eye Italian Defensive Talent
Fabian Schar and Dan Burn remain two of Newcastle’s most experienced defenders, but both players are entering the latter stages of their careers. That leaves technical director Ross Wilson with the important task of gradually constructing a new defensive foundation at St James’ Park.
One player who could potentially fit Newcastle’s long-term plans is Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, Scalvini’s new contract with the Italian club has not stopped Premier League clubs from maintaining their interest in the highly-rated defender.
Newcastle were reportedly considered favourites to sign the Italy international back in July, with Atalanta valuing him at around £38 million.
Scalvini is regarded as a modern centre-back capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch. During the 2025/26 Serie A campaign, he ranked among the league’s strongest positional performers for chances created and completed dribbles per 90 minutes.
His athleticism, composure and defensive intelligence have attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, with Chelsea and Tottenham also reported to have made enquiries during the summer.
For Newcastle, a player of Scalvini’s profile could offer more than defensive security.
Tonali previously demonstrated how an Italian player with excellent passing ability could thrive on Tyneside, particularly when his technical qualities suited Howe’s system. Scalvini could provide a similar benefit under Jaissle, while also bringing greater physical presence and defensive quality to the squad.
At just 23, Scalvini would also represent a long-term investment rather than simply a short-term solution.
Newcastle are still in the early stages of another major rebuild, but signing a defender with Scalvini’s qualities could help Jaissle establish a stronger foundation at the back.
The Magpies have already shown that talented Italian players can make a significant impact on Tyneside. If Newcastle can secure Scalvini, he could become another important piece of their evolving project as Jaissle looks to build a team capable of competing at the highest level once again.
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