Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli have launched their search for a new manager as German coach Matthias Jaissle nears a move to Premier League side Newcastle United.
According to British journalist Ben Jacobs, former Liverpool manager Arne Slot is high on Al-Ahli’s shortlist as the board moves swiftly to secure a replacement before the new season kicks off.
While reports indicate that no official bid or contract agreement has been reached yet, Slot’s status as a free agent makes negotiations straightforward following the end of his spell at Anfield last May.
Why Al-Ahli Want Arne Slot
Slot represents an attractive option for Al-Ahli’s management due to his Premier League experience, track record in possession-based football, high pressing system, and player development capabilities, alongside his top-tier European reputation.
Financially, the Jeddah-based club would not need to negotiate with a parent club or pay a release clause, as the 47-year-old manager has been available since parting ways with Liverpool.
Al-Ahli are looking for a coach capable of maintaining their continental dominance—having won back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles—while translating that success locally to reclaim the Saudi Pro League trophy, which has eluded them since 2016.
Appointing Slot would send a strong statement of intent. The Dutch tactician quickly made his mark at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, winning the Premier League title in his debut season at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s Stance on the Al-Ahli Job
Moving to Saudi Arabia is not currently Slot’s top priority. The Dutch coach initially prefers to continue working in Europe and wait to evaluate available options before making a final decision.
Slot was previously linked with AC Milan after leaving Liverpool, and he is also under consideration in his homeland to succeed Ronald Koeman as head coach of the Netherlands national team.
Koeman announced his departure from the “Oranje” following a penalty shootout exit against Morocco in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, prompting the Dutch FA (KNVB) to begin its search for a successor.
Slot is among the frontrunners for the role, and initial contact has reportedly been made. Taking charge of the national team is a tempting option for Slot, given the project’s prestige, its proximity to his family, and the opportunity to remain in European football.
Consequently, Al-Ahli will need to present a compelling financial and sporting package to convince Slot to change his mind. Otherwise, the club may pivot to alternative targets if Slot decides to wait for a European club or the Netherlands job.
Matthias Jaissle’s Impending Departure Opens Al-Ahli Seat
Al-Ahli’s managerial search was triggered by Matthias Jaissle’s advanced talks with Newcastle United. The Magpies identified the German coach as their primary candidate to replace Eddie Howe, who unexpectedly decided to step down and take a sabbatical.
Jaissle remains under contract with Al-Ahli after signing a two-year extension with an option for a third last September, meaning his move to St James’ Park requires approval from the Saudi club.
However, with both Al-Ahli and Newcastle United owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), negotiations between the two clubs are expected to be seamless.
The 38-year-old manager took charge of Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023 following their return to the Saudi Pro League. He secured a third-place finish in his inaugural season before guiding the club to its most successful continental era in history.
Jaissle led Al-Ahli to their historic first AFC Champions League Elite title in 2025, retained the trophy the following season by beating Japan’s Machida Zelvia, and added the Saudi Super Cup to the club’s trophy cabinet.
Arne Slot’s Managerial Career and Achievements
Slot began his managerial career in Dutch football, starting at Cambuur before joining AZ Alkmaar’s coaching staff. He took over as AZ head coach in 2019, recording an impressive average of 2.11 points per game—the highest of any manager in the club’s history.
In 2021, Slot joined Feyenoord, guiding them to the UEFA Europa Conference League final in his first season. He went on to win the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup the following year.
Liverpool selected Slot to succeed Jürgen Klopp in the summer of 2024. He passed his toughest test with flying colors by leading the Reds to their 20th English league title in his debut season, clinching the trophy with four matches to spare.
However, his second season proved challenging. Liverpool dropped to fifth place and suffered 20 defeats across all competitions, leading the board to terminate his contract on May 30, 2026, after two seasons in charge. The club subsequently appointed Andoni Iraola as his successor.
Should Slot move to Al-Ahli, it would mark his first managerial stint outside Europe, placing him in charge of maintaining the team’s Asian dominance while launching a bid for the Saudi Pro League title. However, any deal hinges on his willingness to leave Europe and the finalization of Jaissle’s transition to Newcastle.
