Why Roger Ibanez contract twist opens the door for Newcastle to pull off coup

Roger Ibanez's relationship with inbound new Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle could mean he emerges onto their radar soon.

Jaissle has been confirmed as the new Magpies manager as he succeeds Eddie Howe on Tyneside.

The new boss is set to oversee a busy end to the window at St James' Park as they look to recover from losing several key players.

Newcastle have been linked with moves for several centre-backs this summer as they look to bolster the ageing core of their backline.

Al Ahli and Brazil defender Ibanez looks primed to be a target as he potentially follows Jaissle from the Saudi Pro League club to Tyneside.

The 27-year-old has halted contract talks with Al Ahli this week as he attracts interest from the Premier League, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Roger Ibanez shares a close relationship with Newcastle-bound Matthias Jaissle

Ibanez's career has taken an unusual path up to now, after he only started playing football at an academy at the age of 18 in 2016, then signed for Brazilian giants Fluminense within a year.

He earned a move to Atalanta in 2019 and soon moved on to Roma a year later, where he helped them lift the Conference League in 2022 and became a key player under Jose Mourinho.

Ibanez has helped Al Ahli win successive AFC Champions League titles over the last two seasons under Jaissle's management, after joining the club in 2023.

He spoke of his admiration for the 38-year-old in April 2025, saying: "

Jaissle clearly rates him highly, and could look to bring him to the Premier League this month as several top flight sides eye a move.

Aston Villa are the only English club named in the race for his services, but the Magpies could well also be interested in the Brazil defender as Jaissle eyes reinforcements.

What is the latest on Newcastle's pursuit of Giorgio Scalvini?

Atalanta star Scalvini has emerged as a top target for Newcastle as they look to sign a new centre-back.

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that the Magpies are battling Chelsea to sign Scalvini as it stands, with Tottenham falling behind in the race for his services.

They are yet to make a bid to sign him this summer, though, with the club seemingly waiting for Jaissle to be officially appointed before progressing with certain deals.

The longer they wait to make a move for the Italian international, the more likely a potential approach for Ibanez looks possible, with Jaissle surely set to prioritise signing his former star over any other target.