Al Ahli weigh Nuno Espirito Santo return as Marino Pusic faces pressure

Al Ahli are being linked with a move for Nuno Espirito Santo following his departure from West Ham United, with the club’s difficult run under head coach Marino Pusic increasing calls for a change in the dugout.

The Portuguese manager has returned to the centre of discussion in Saudi football after reports suggested he could be considered for the Al Ahli job. Pusic is overseeing a period of inconsistent results, and pressure is growing for the Dutchman to leave as the club looks to regain its form.

A move to Al Ahli would give Nuno Espirito Santo the opportunity to return to the Roshn Saudi League, where he previously enjoyed a successful spell with Al Ittihad. During his time in charge, he guided the club to the league title and the Saudi Super Cup.

That period remains one of the most notable chapters in Al Ittihad’s recent history and has helped maintain the Portuguese coach’s reputation in Saudi Arabia. His previous knowledge of the competition is central to the argument in favour of appointing him.

The possibility was discussed by presenter Waleed Al Fراج on his programme “Rotana Sport with Waleed”. He asked: “Can Al Ahli sign Nuno Espirito Santo? And how can they benefit from him?”

Programme analyst Imad Al Salmi responded by saying the Portuguese coach had the ability to help Al Ahli recover its balance and return to the right path. He pointed to Nuno Espirito Santo’s technical experience and his understanding of the demands of competing in Saudi football.

Media commentator Mohammed Al Sheikh also backed the idea of bringing in the former Al Ittihad manager. He described the appointment as an ideal opportunity for Al Ahli, citing the coach’s familiarity with the atmosphere of the Roshn Saudi League and the nature of competition between its clubs.

However, Al Sheikh said Al Ahli first needed to settle Pusic’s position before making decisions about the next stage. He argued that dismissing the Dutch coach and appointing Nuno Espirito Santo could provide the team with a fresh start as it seeks to correct its course and return to positive results.

There has been no official announcement of negotiations or an agreement between Al Ahli and Nuno Espirito Santo. For now, his name remains a possible option amid the reports and analysis surrounding the club, while supporters wait for developments over Pusic’s future and the identity of the person who will lead the team.

The discussion comes with Al Ahli’s situation under close attention on 07 November 2026. The club’s next decisions will determine whether the speculation over a reunion with Nuno Espirito Santo develops into a formal move or remains a topic of debate.