Many pundits across England have tipped Newcastle United to struggle throughout the 2026/27 campaign, but Matthias Jaissle appears to have taken such predictions personally.

The German has been tasked with leading the Magpies into a new era, with the display against Liverpool on Sunday showing glimpses of quality across the board.

His side were unlucky not to secure all three points, but the display has handed the supporters a reason to get excited about the possibility of life under the 38-year-old.

Jaissle made numerous huge selection calls during such an encounter at the weekend, including the inclusion of Yoane Wissa in a number ten role and supporting Will Osula.

Why Wissa could be crucial in Jaissle's hopes of success at Newcastle

After his £55m move to Newcastle last summer, many tipped Wissa to be a huge success at St James’ Park and help cover the loss of Alexander Isak.

However, it’s safe to say his debut campaign on Tyneside was one to forget, as the DR Congo international only netted once in his 19 top-flight appearances.

After such a dismal campaign, it was anticipated that the 29-year-old would depart the Magpies, but it appears as though Jaissle has put full faith in the attacker to star in his system.

He handed Wissa a start in the number ten position against Liverpool, a decision which certainly took the supporters by surprise, but one which appeared to be a masterstroke.

The former Brentford man was named as the Man of the Match following his display, which saw him complete 100% of his dribbles and register five passes into the final third.

Even out of possession, Wissa managed to catch the eye, subsequently making an impressive tally of four tackles and three recoveries - whilst winning 60% of his ground duels.

Such a position could certainly get the best out of the attacker, which could see him be a vital member of Jaissle’s side for the 2026/27 campaign and beyond.

How Newcastle can land a talent who's perfect for Wissa

Despite the impressive display against Andoni Iraola’s men on Sunday, the Newcastle hierarchy are still on the hunt to land added attacking reinforcements before the summer window closes.

Real Betis attacker Abde Ezzalzouli has been touted as one possible transfer target for the Magpies, with talks even being held with the Spanish outlet over a deal for the Moroccan international.

He’s not the only option on their shortlist at present, with Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo another forward who could become a Magpies player in the next week.

It’s been reported by the Daily Mail's Craig Hope that the player himself would be open to a move to St James’ Park after handing in a transfer request earlier this window.

Such a report from Hope comes after it was reported that Jaissle’s men had made an offer for the Belgian international over the last couple of days.

He fails to mention any fee for the 21-year-old, but other reports on the youngster have stated that the French outfit are demanding €60m (£55m) to sanction a sale.

Such a move would see the hierarchy once again spend a pretty penny on an unproven Premier League option, but it’s a gamble worth taking given the 21-year-old’s recent form.

Fernandez-Pardo featured at the recent World Cup with his nation as a result of his impressive season in Ligue 1, with his stats from 2025/26 showcasing his quality in key areas.

Many of his figures would hugely benefit the rejuvenated Wissa and allow the DR Congo to firmly become a key member of Jaissle’s immediate and long-term plans.

The Lille attacker managed to complete an impressive 82% of his attempted passes last term, whilst being able to lay on 1.4 chances for his teammates per 90.

Both of the aforementioned figures ranked the Belgian star in the top 12% of all wingers in Europe’s top-five leagues, which could see him provide Wissa with endless chances in front of goal.

Fernandez-Pardo also managed to complete an average of 0.5 successful crosses per 90 - which also saw him rank above 91% of other forwards in Ligue 1.

Like his chance creation, such a figure highlights his ability to cause carnage within attacking areas - subsequently allowing Wissa to finally demonstrate his quality on a regular basis.

The Belgian’s direct nature in possession was highlighted by his tally of 1.4 successful dribbles per 90, with such a quality making him the perfect fit for Jaissle’s transitional system.

His mazy runs often resulted in golden chances being created - as seen with the aforementioned stats - which could see the youngster form an excellent partnership with the DR Congo star at St James’.

£55m may seem like an expensive deal for Fernandez-Pardo, but his tender age could allow him to reach the next level in his development at Tyneside and become a world-class winger.

He has the potential to link up with some other top-level talents at Newcastle, with his talents allowing those around him to also star within the final third on a consistent basis.