Didier Deschamps was close to taking on his first managerial role since departing the France national team by joining Al-Ahli Saudi FC, following recent talks between both parties.
According to RMC Sport, Al-Ahli contacted the 57-year-old manager following the end of his 14-year tenure with Les Bleus. Deschamps expressed openness to working in the Saudi Pro League, without ruling out the option as he considered his next career move.
However, the talks ultimately failed to produce an agreement due to the multiple decision-makers involved in Saudi football governance, alongside the Public Investment Fund (PIF) holding the final say on major deals, which slowed down negotiations and altered their course.
Saudi interest in Deschamps predated Al-Ahli’s approach. In November 2025, the French manager acknowledged receiving inquiries from a Roshen Saudi League club—refusing to name the team—while emphasizing that club officials were fully aware of when his contract with France would expire. French reports later revealed that Al-Ittihad was the club most interested in securing his signature, driven by the presence of French duo Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté. Deschamps repeatedly stressed that he would keep his options open after leaving the national team.
Al-Ahli’s pursuit of Deschamps followed the departure of German manager Matthias Jaissle to take charge of Newcastle United, after a successful stint where he led the Jeddah-based club to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles alongside the Saudi Super Cup.
Following the collapse of negotiations with Deschamps, Al-Ahli appointed Marino Pušić as head coach on a contract running through June 2028. The 54-year-old manager previously served as Arne Slot’s assistant at Feyenoord, with head coaching spells at Twente, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Al-Jazira before embarking on his new chapter in the Saudi Pro League.
