Arne Slot among front-runners as Al Ahli target high-profile successor to Matthias Jaissle

Arne Slot has emerged as one of the leading candidates to take charge of Al Ahli as the Saudi club accelerates its search for a new head coach, with Matthias Jaissle close to leaving for Newcastle United.

Al Ahli’s hierarchy has begun sounding out options to replace the German, who is reported to have resigned and is understood to be on the brink of an agreement with Newcastle after Eddie Howe decided to step down following five years in charge of the Premier League side.

According to talkSPORT, former Liverpool manager Slot features prominently on Al Ahli’s shortlist as the Jeddah club look to appoint a coach with substantial European experience ahead of the next phase of their project.

Jaissle exit sparks Al Ahli reshuffle

Jaissle took over at Al Ahli in 2023 after leaving Red Bull Salzburg and delivered a highly successful spell with the Saudi club. He oversaw 138 matches, winning 92 of them, and guided Al Ahli to back-to-back titles in the AFC Champions League Elite.

His decision to move on, amid strong links to Newcastle, has forced Al Ahli to move quickly to identify a replacement capable of maintaining their recent success in continental competition.

Slot back on market after Liverpool stint

Slot is viewed inside Al Ahli as one of the most attractive options now available on the market. The Dutchman has been unattached since departing Liverpool in May, having spent more than two seasons at Anfield.

During that period he led Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2025, enhancing his reputation as one of Europe’s most accomplished modern coaches and making him a major target for clubs and national teams alike.

Despite receiving several approaches in recent months, including an offer from Fulham, Slot chose not to return to management immediately. Fulham subsequently turned to Alvaro Arbeloa to fill their vacancy.

Slot was also strongly linked with Milan earlier in the summer before the Italian club appointed Ruben Amorim, and he was mentioned as a contender for the Netherlands national team job. As things stand, he remains without a club.

Vitor Pereira also in contention

Al Ahli’s focus is not limited to Slot. The club are also considering Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira, who has previous experience in Saudi Arabia and in the Saudi Pro League.

Reports indicate that no formal talks have yet taken place between Al Ahli and Pereira, but he is regarded internally as a serious option given his familiarity with the region and his track record in European football.

The 58-year-old has already worked in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab and has a past connection with Al Ahli, having coached the club in 2013. He later moved to England, where he had spells with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Pereira left Nottingham Forest at the beginning of July, despite steering the club to safety in the Premier League and reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League, making him immediately available for a return to management.

Shortlist of five as talks get under way

Saudi journalist Waleed Saeed has reported that Al Ahli have now opened official negotiations with several coaches as they look to finalise Jaissle’s successor.

He explained that the current shortlist contains five managers, including one German candidate, with discussions ongoing as the club attempt to conclude an appointment in time for next season.