Arne Slot among candidates to replace Matthias Jaissle at Al Ahli Jeddah as Newcastle talks advance

Al Ahli Jeddah are assessing potential successors to Matthias Jaissle after the German coach submitted his resignation, with former Liverpool manager Arne Slot named among the leading options, according to reports in Saudi Arabia and the UK.

Saudi daily Al-Riyadiyah has reported that Jaissle has formally stepped down from his role at Al Ahli Jeddah, prompting the club to move quickly in search of a replacement.

British journalist Ben Jacobs says that Arne Slot, who most recently managed Liverpool, has been put forward as a candidate to take over at the Saudi Pro League side if Jaissle’s departure is confirmed.

However, Jacobs stressed that while Slot is being seriously considered, the Dutchman is currently inclined to remain in European football. He said: “Slot is one of the candidates to join Al Ahli, with Matthias Jaissle heading to Newcastle. However, Slot prefers a move to a European club.”

Jaissle in advanced talks with Newcastle

Jaissle’s resignation comes as Newcastle United step up efforts to appoint a new head coach, following Eddie Howe’s decision to leave the Premier League club.

According to The Athletic, Howe has informed Newcastle’s hierarchy that he intends to step down from his position in order to take a break from football.

Newcastle have already held talks with Jaissle about succeeding Howe at St James’ Park, and those discussions are understood to have reached an advanced stage.

Howe is set to depart after five years in charge of Newcastle. He was appointed in November 2021 as the first managerial hire following the club’s takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Slot’s track record in Netherlands and England

Slot, 47, has built a strong reputation in European football after successful spells in the Netherlands and England.

He first came to prominence as head coach of AZ Alkmaar, before taking charge of Feyenoord in 2021. He managed the Rotterdam club until 2024, then spent the last two seasons at Liverpool.

During his time at Feyenoord, Slot won both the Dutch league title and the Dutch Cup. He later guided Liverpool to the Premier League title, further enhancing his profile among Europe’s leading clubs.

Al Ahli success puts Jaissle in demand

Jaissle, 38, has significantly raised his standing as a coach during his time in Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli Jeddah.

Since joining the club in 2023, he has led Al Ahli to consecutive AFC Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026, winning Asia’s premier club competition twice in a row.

That success has attracted interest from Europe, with Newcastle now moving to secure his services as they prepare for life after Howe.

Shared ownership links Al Ahli and Newcastle

Both Al Ahli Jeddah and Newcastle are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, a connection that has shaped the managerial situation at both clubs.

The fund’s ownership of the two teams underpins the current chain of events: Howe’s decision to step away from Newcastle, the Premier League club’s subsequent move for Jaissle, and Al Ahli’s search for a high-profile replacement.

As things stand, Jaissle is in line for a move to Newcastle, while Slot remains only a candidate for the Al Ahli role and is understood to favour staying within European football.