Al Ahli consider Marcelino as surprise successor to Matthias Jaissle

Al Ahli are in advanced negotiations with Spanish coach Marcelino over taking charge of the Saudi club next season, following reports that Matthias Jaissle has resigned to become manager of Newcastle United.

The 60-year-old has agreed in principle to lead Al Ahli, according to respected journalist Santi Aouna, who revealed on social media platform X that discussions between the two parties have reached an advanced stage.

Marcelino is the latest name to emerge in the search for Jaissle’s replacement. The German coach is reported to have submitted his resignation on Thursday, with the intention of replacing Eddie Howe at Newcastle United next season.

A number of high-profile managers had already been linked with the Al Ahli position since Jaissle’s reported departure. Those reportedly considered included former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez, Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Portuguese coaches Vitor Pereira, Nuno Espirito Santo and Sergio Conceicao.

Marcelino’s potential appointment would represent a different direction for the Saudi club, although the Spaniard brings extensive experience from the highest level of the game. His managerial career began almost 30 years ago and has been spent largely in Spain, aside from a short spell with Marseille in 2023.

During that career, Marcelino has managed several of Spain’s leading clubs. His previous teams include Villarreal, Valencia, Athletic Club, Sevilla and Real Zaragoza.

He has won two major honours at the top level. Marcelino guided Valencia to the Copa del Rey in 2019 before leading Athletic Club to the Spanish Super Cup in 2021.

Al Ahli supporters will hope the Spaniard can provide a successful successor to Jaissle, who has spent three years in charge of the Saudi side. During his time at the club, Jaissle won the AFC Champions League Elite twice and the Saudi Super Cup once.

The reports of Jaissle’s resignation come as Newcastle prepare for a change in the dugout, with Howe identified as the coach he could replace for the forthcoming campaign. No formal announcement regarding either manager’s next appointment has been confirmed in the report, but Marcelino’s agreement to lead Al Ahli would strengthen his position as the leading candidate.

The negotiations are therefore being closely watched by Al Ahli fans, who had initially seen several prominent names linked with the vacancy. Marcelino’s record with Villarreal, Valencia and Athletic Club, together with his two major honours in Spain, has now placed him at the centre of the club’s plans for next season.