Newcastle defeat to Leverkusen
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Newcastle lost 2-1 to Leverkusen in Jaissle's first home friendly. The defeat exposes gaps after Gordon, Tonali and Guimarães exits.
Background
Newcastle United faced Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly at St James' Park on Saturday, August 15, 2026. This was Matthias Jaissle's first match in charge at home after Eddie Howe's sudden departure in late July. The club has undergone significant squad changes, losing key players like Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães, and is preparing for the upcoming Premier League season.
How it unfolded
- Sat, Aug 15, 2026Newcastle lost 2-1 to Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly at St James' Park. Ibrahim Maza scored early for Leverkusen, Malick Thiaw equalized before half-time, and Victor Boniface scored the winner late on.
- Sat, Aug 15, 2026Newcastle changed shirts from their black and white home kit to lilac third strip during the first-half hydration break due to a colour clash with Leverkusen's mint away kit.
- Sat, Aug 15, 2026Dan Burn was named new Newcastle captain, confirmed by the club, with Joelinton as deputy. Burn was not involved in the friendly.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Manager Matthias Jaissle said: 'It's a big challenge. It's a big transition.' He praised young Mason Miley's attitude and quality.
- Analysts
- The Guardian noted that Newcastle looked 'undercooked' before Liverpool's visit, but saw positive signs in Jaissle's coaching.
Still unverified
The move for Amar Dedic is reported as close but not yet finalized. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg reportedly declined a £13m move, and João Palhinha is yet to be persuaded to leave Bayern Munich.