Keith Wyness expects 'Saudi meddling and interference' at Newcastle after surprise deal agreed

PIF's decision to appoint Matthias Jaissle as Newcastle United's new manager on a four-year deal could easily "rebound" on them if he endures a difficult start.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the under-pressure ownership are taking a "double-risk" with Jaissle's Saudi Arabian connections.

The 38-year-old has spent the last three seasons in charge of Al Ahli, where he won back-to-back Asian Champions League titles, but has no experience of managing in Europe's 'big five' leagues.

Wyness believes that the German faces a huge challenge ahead of him to adapt to the Premier League while simultaneously working with a relatively young squad.

The Magpies have lost several key senior players at the club this summer, and have replaced them with largely up-and-coming talents, many of whom are still finding their way in the game.

PIF have been under pressure from the Geordie fans in the last 12 months, and Wyness believes that the appointment of Jaissle could easily blow up in their faces.

Newcastle transfer strategy a 'paradigm shift'

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that the Magpies' plan to make their squad younger is a "paradigm shift" compared to their group from recent seasons.

The North East outfit have added five new faces this summer, of which new goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek is the only one currently over the age of 21.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why that strategy doesn't make things any easier for Jaissle, and in turn, PIF.

"It's got this double Saudi risk of the PIF owning Al Ahli where he's come from and then putting him into Newcastle as well," he said.

"There's a risk there for PIF and the owners that this could really rebound in a way of Saudi meddling and interference in a way if he doesn't prove to be the right pick.

"He does seem to be a very interesting personality, a young, energetic manager who likes young teams, but is that really what Newcastle needed and wanted? 

"We're seeing a change in policy now of Newcastle buying for youth rather than buying experienced players. So there is a bit of a paradigm shift in the way they're putting that squad together. 

"Now there's no doubt this new manager can handle the young development, but can he handle it in the Premier League? Is that the right place to start blooding youngsters in the Premier League? 

"There are a few danger signs up there for the Saudi owners and also for this new manager. This is one to watch because the young players, if the pressure comes on them, aren't that experienced to be able to get through it."

Nick Pope makes definitive Newcastle transfer decision

Football Insider revealed last weekend that veteran goalkeeper Nick Pope won't push to leave Newcastle this summer, despite the arrival of two new shot-stoppers.

Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen have both arrived at St James' Park this summer, but sources have indicated that Pope remains keen to fight for his place.

The 34-year-old's options are also fairly narrow in terms of a move away, with many of the top clubs not in the market for a new goalkeeper.

Pope was heavily criticised by supporters at times last term, but he is hoping that he can still redeem himself on Tyneside.