Matthias Jaissle makes first big transfer demand as Newcastle race to replace Bruno Guimaraes Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has reportedly made his first major transfer demand since taking charge at St James’ Park, with the German manager keen for the club to move quickly to replace Bruno Guimaraes. The Magpies are facing a huge period of transition after a chaotic summer that has seen several important figures leave the club. Guimaraes is now closing in on a £75 million move to Arsenal, while Sandro Tonali has also departed for Tottenham and Anthony Gordon has moved to Barcelona. The departures have left Newcastle with significant gaps to fill as Jaissle attempts to put his own stamp on the squad. The German coach, who arrived after Eddie Howe’s departure, is therefore expected to be heavily involved in Newcastle’s remaining transfer business. And according to reports, he has already made it clear to the club’s hierarchy that strengthening the midfield is his biggest priority. Jaissle wants a new midfield leader Guimaraes’ departure represents a particularly difficult problem for Newcastle. The Brazilian was not simply another midfielder in Howe’s squad. He was the club captain, a fan favourite and one of the players responsible for controlling matches from the middle of the pitch. Jaissle is understood to want a midfielder capable of taking on some of those responsibilities. The new Newcastle boss wants someone who can dictate the tempo, progress possession and contribute creatively in the final third. That requirement has become even more pressing following Tonali’s departure, meaning Newcastle could potentially have to rebuild almost an entirely new midfield. Jaissle’s philosophy is heavily influenced by the high-intensity football associated with the Red Bull coaching system, and he will need players capable of operating at the pace and intensity he demands. The 38-year-old arrives at Newcastle with an impressive reputation after guiding Al-Ahli to consecutive Asian Champions League titles. He previously worked at Red Bull Salzburg, where his coaching career developed rapidly. Now, he has the opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League. Luka Sucic emerges as a major target One player who appears particularly attractive to Jaissle is Real Sociedad midfielder Luka Sucic. The Croatian international is reportedly among the leading candidates to replace Guimaraes, and his previous relationship with Jaissle could give Newcastle an advantage. The pair worked together at Salzburg, meaning Sucic already understands the manager’s footballing philosophy. That familiarity could be extremely valuable as Jaissle attempts to introduce his tactical ideas at Newcastle with very little time before the new Premier League campaign gets underway. Sucic is also a player who can offer something different from Guimaraes. While replacing the Brazilian’s influence would be extremely difficult, the Croatian possesses considerable technical ability and an eye for goal. He is particularly dangerous in the final third and has developed a reputation for his ability from set pieces. His left foot could also provide Newcastle with another weapon when attacking from dead-ball situations. A player Jaissle already knows The biggest attraction for Jaissle may be that he does not need to spend months figuring out whether Sucic fits his system. Having already coached the midfielder at Salzburg, the Newcastle boss knows exactly what he can bring to the team. Sucic also understands the demands of Jaissle’s football, which could allow him to settle into the Newcastle side considerably faster than a completely unfamiliar signing. That could be crucial given Newcastle’s difficult circumstances. The club cannot afford to spend an entire season rebuilding while trying to compete in the Premier League. Jaissle needs players who can immediately understand his instructions, and Sucic potentially fits that description perfectly. Newcastle have other midfield targets Sucic is not believed to be Newcastle’s only option. The Magpies are also monitoring other midfielders as they search for the right replacement for Guimaraes. Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha has been mentioned as another potential target, although a deal for the Germany international could prove considerably more expensive. Newcastle therefore have several decisions to make before the transfer window closes. The club must decide whether to spend heavily on an established midfielder or pursue a younger player who can develop into a long-term star. Given the number of important players who have already left, however, there is growing pressure on the hierarchy to bring in players capable of making an immediate impact. Newcastle’s transfer window has become critical The arrival of Jaissle has created renewed optimism among some Newcastle supporters, but the club’s transfer business will play a major role in determining how quickly that optimism lasts. The Magpies have already completed several deals, including the signing of goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga. However, the midfield remains the most obvious area of concern following the departures of Guimaraes and Tonali. Newcastle supporters will therefore be watching closely to see whether the club can deliver the type of midfielder Jaissle wants. The timing is also becoming increasingly important, with Newcastle’s Premier League campaign approaching rapidly. Jaissle has inherited a squad that has undergone major changes, and the loss of several established stars means the new manager needs reinforcements rather than simply minor additions. A statement signing could change the mood There is no doubt that losing Guimaraes will hurt Newcastle. The Brazilian became one of the faces of the club’s transformation and developed a strong relationship with supporters during his time on Tyneside. Replacing him with one player may ultimately be impossible. However, Newcastle can soften the blow by making a statement signing. Sucic could potentially be that player if the club manages to reach an agreement with Real Sociedad. The fact that Jaissle already knows the Croatian could make the transfer particularly appealing, while his technical ability and attacking qualities could give Newcastle a different dimension in midfield. For Jaissle, this will be one of the first major tests of his Newcastle reign. If he gets the midfield rebuild right, the departure of Guimaraes could eventually become less damaging than many supporters currently fear. But if Newcastle fail to replace their captain adequately, the decision to allow so much experience and quality to leave could become one of the defining stories of their season. With the new manager now firmly in charge, the message from Jaissle appears clear: Newcastle cannot afford to stand still, and replacing Bruno Guimaraes is now one of the club’s most urgent priorities.