Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ahli have opened negotiations with German manager Ole Werner as they search for a successor to outgoing head coach Matthias Jaissle.
Following back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles under Jaissle, Al-Ahli’s management is seeking a manager capable of sustaining immediate success and maintaining their continental dominance.
Al-Ahli Open Talks with Ole Werner
According to Sportitalia, Al-Ahli officials have established initial contact with Werner to explore his interest in moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Discussions remain in the preliminary stages, with both parties evaluating the sporting project, managerial authority, contract duration, and financial terms. The 38-year-old manager has not yet granted final approval, as he weighs potential opportunities to remain in European football after guiding RB Leipzig back to the UEFA Champions League.
Because Werner is no longer bound to RB Leipzig, Al-Ahli could complete his appointment without paying compensation to another club.
Arne Slot and Marcelino Among Alternative Candidates
Al-Ahli have assembled a shortlist of alternatives should talks with Werner stall. Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot features prominently on the list following his departure from the Premier League club at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season. Slot previously won the Premier League title during his debut campaign in England.
Spanish manager Marcelino García Toral has also engaged in advanced discussions with Al-Ahli. Reports in France indicate he reached advanced stages in talks following his departure from Villarreal, where he secured a third-place La Liga finish and Champions League qualification.
Other managers linked with the vacancy include former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández and Portuguese manager Vítor Pereira.
Ole Werner’s Coaching Career
Werner began his managerial career within the youth academy at Holstein Kiel, eventually stepping up to first-team manager in 2019.
He rose to prominence with Werder Bremen, taking charge in November 2021 and securing immediate promotion back to the Bundesliga. Over 128 official matches, he established Bremen as a top-flight side, culminating in an eighth-place finish in the 2024–2025 season.
Werner subsequently moved to RB Leipzig, guiding the club to a third-place Bundesliga finish in the 2025–2026 season to secure UEFA Champions League qualification. Despite achieving the club’s primary objective, Leipzig parted ways with Werner in June 2026 due to differing visions regarding squad development.
