Al Ahli Saudi FC close in on Marcelino as new manager

Al Ahli Saudi FC are in advanced negotiations with former Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral to become their new head coach, following the departure of Matthias Jaissle, who is preparing to move to Newcastle United.

According to French publication Foot Mercato, the Saudi Pro League club have made significant progress in discussions with the Spanish coach and are now close to reaching an agreement for him to take charge.

Al Ahli Saudi FC have offered Marcelino a two-year contract worth up to 12m euros per season. The report says the 60-year-old has accepted the financial terms of the proposal, but has made one condition before completing the move: he wants permission to bring his entire coaching staff with him.

Marcelino began his managerial career with Spanish club Lealtad. He went on to build a reputation through a number of prominent appointments in Spain and France, including spells with Sevilla FC, Villarreal CF, Valencia CF and Athletic Club, as well as Olympique de Marseille.

He has managed Villarreal CF on two separate occasions. His work at the club has been among the most notable stages of his career, while his previous experience also includes leading Sevilla FC and Valencia CF before taking charge of Athletic Club and Olympique de Marseille.

The negotiations come as Al Ahli Saudi FC seek a successor to Jaissle. The German coach’s departure is being prepared as he moves towards a switch to Newcastle United, leaving the Saudi club needing to finalise a new manager ahead of the next phase of its project.

Al Ahli Saudi FC finished last season’s league campaign in third place, collecting 81 points. Their season was also marked by success in the AFC Champions League Elite, which they won.

The club are therefore attempting to follow a domestic campaign that ended with a top-three finish and a major continental trophy by appointing a coach with extensive experience in leading high-profile teams.

Marcelino’s agreement to the proposed contract means the remaining issue in the talks is understood to be the composition of his backroom staff. If Al Ahli Saudi FC accept his request to bring his full team of assistants and technical staff, the Spanish manager could take charge of the club for the next two seasons.

No formal appointment has yet been announced, but the advanced state of the negotiations places Marcelino in a strong position to replace Jaissle as Al Ahli Saudi FC’s next manager.