Al-Ahli Saudi’s managerial search widened after Xavi and Marcelino links questioned

Al-Ahli Saudi’s search for a successor to Matthias Jaissle has been thrown back into uncertainty after reports linking the club with former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez and Marcelino Garcia Toral were challenged.

Reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano said neither Spanish coach is currently close to taking charge of the Saudi Pro League side, contradicting reports that negotiations with both candidates had reached an advanced stage.

Romano wrote on X that reports suggesting Xavi or Marcelino were nearing an agreement with Al-Ahli were not accurate, adding that neither manager was close to accepting the role at this stage.

The latest development has cast further doubt over a process that had appeared to be moving quickly following Jaissle’s resignation.

Jaissle stepped down after guiding Al-Ahli to back-to-back titles in the AFC Champions League Elite. The German coach is understood to have made the decision as he prepares to begin a new challenge with Newcastle United.

Al-Ahli had appeared close to identifying Jaissle’s replacement, with the names of both Xavi and Marcelino becoming increasingly prominent in reports surrounding the vacancy. However, Romano’s intervention suggests the club may now have to reassess its options.

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya reported on Friday evening that Al-Ahli had given Xavi 48 hours to decide whether to accept a formal offer. The former Spain international was said to be at the top of the club’s list of preferred candidates to succeed Jaissle.

According to the report, Al-Ahli were also continuing discussions with several other managers in case Xavi rejected the proposal. The club was said to be considering appointing a coach with previous experience of working in the Saudi Pro League or in one of the competitions in the region.

Those talks were taking place as Al-Ahli attempted to avoid being left without an alternative should negotiations with Xavi fail.

A separate report from French website Foot Mercato on Saturday claimed that Al-Ahli had made significant progress in talks with Marcelino. It said the Spanish manager had agreed in principle to lead the team, with negotiations focused on completing the final contractual details.

That account is now at odds with Romano’s assessment of the situation. The conflicting reports leave Al-Ahli without a clear agreement publicly established with either Spanish candidate and point to a renewed search for a manager.

The club must now determine whether discussions with Xavi or Marcelino can still advance, or whether it will turn to another coach familiar with Saudi football or the wider region. For the moment, the identity of Jaissle’s successor remains unresolved.