Published Sep 18, 2026, 5:15 PM GMT+1

New boss Matthias Jaissle has been tasked with placing all of the pieces into a working system to try and make an immediate impact after replacing Eddie Howe.

The German has so far only lost once after taking the reins on Tyneside, with Monday’s hammering against Leeds United the first piece of adversity he’s faced.

Despite the influx of additions over the summer window, he’s decided to stand by two long-standing senior members to help provide the goods in England’s top-flight.

Why Wissa & Barnes are crucial to Newcastle in 2026/27

In a somewhat surprising turn of events, £55m man Yoane Wissa has been handed a second chance to impress the fanbase at Newcastle after his struggles during his maiden campaign.

Many would have expected the DR Congo international to depart Tyneside after scoring just one league goal last term, but Jaissle has put faith in the 30-year-old to turn things around.

He’s utilised the centre-forward in a number ten position during various outings, most notably against Liverpool on the opening day as he claimed the Man of the Match award.

Wissa has been joined in the attacking third by winger Harvey Barnes, who despite the big-money additions of Bazoumana Toure and Matias Fernandez-Pardo, has remained Jaissle’s first choice.

The Englishman has started all four of the club’s Premier League games so far this campaign, scoring a world-class goal in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

His attacking nature has been highlighted in his impressive tally of 2.3 fouls won per 90 this term, with such a tally higher than any other player in the senior squad.

His experience is no doubt vital to the manager’s current ranks, with the club placing a real impetus on landing talented youngsters this summer, who can develop in the years ahead.

Why Newcastle's £35m man is becoming Jaissle's best player

As part of the club’s recruitment drive this summer, various new players will be hoping to adhere themselves to the fanbase and become important members in the years to come.

Toure has already made an instant impact on Tyneside, with the Ivorian international already scoring twice despite starting just once since his £42m.

New arrival Amar Dedic has also caught the eye after his own move to join the Magpies, subsequently laying on three assists in his first six outings - despite being a defender.

However, despite the influx of arrivals, Lewis Hall has no doubt assumed the role of being the club’s biggest talent after the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.

The Englishman was hugely touted with a summer move to join Manchester United, but he remained at St James’ Park to help lead the club into the next generation.

The 22-year-old has started every game this campaign for the Magpies, subsequently laying on the assist for Barnes’ wonder strike a couple of weeks ago.

Hall, who joined for a reported £35m in the summer of 2024, has developed into one of the division’s best left-backs, as seen with the interest in his signature this summer.

His underlying stats from the current campaign demonstrate his quality at both ends and showcase why he’s become the club’s most important player in 2026/27.

The Englishman has managed to complete 27% of the crosses he’s attempted this campaign, with such a tally ranking him above 70% of players in the division.

He’s also completed 1.5 successful dribbles per 90 this campaign, which like his crossing figures, has seen him rank in the top 5% of players in his position.

Even without the ball, Hall has managed to catch the eye, subsequently winning 6.9 ground duels and making 3.1 successful tackles per 90 during the early stages of the campaign.

Like his figures with the ball, such numbers have placed him higher than a whole host of players in the Premier League - with 80% of players averaging fewer than the full-back.

At £35m, the deal to sign Hall from Chelsea is now looking like a phenomenal piece of business and one which could see the hierarchy make a small fortune in the future.

After the departures of numerous key squad members this summer, there’s no doubt Hall has become one of the club’s most influential players in the hunt for success under Jaissle.