Al-Ahli turn to familiar Saudi Pro League figure in post-Jaissle coaching hunt

Al-Ahli are considering former Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo as they continue their search for a new head coach following the unexpected departure of Matthias Jaissle before the start of the new season.

Jaissle resigned after he and the club failed to agree on the terms of a new contract. The German has since moved towards a new challenge with English club Newcastle United, who reports suggest will pay 11m euros in compensation to the Asian champions.

Al-Ahli have been linked with several potential replacements, but Espirito Santo is now emerging as a leading possibility. The Portuguese coach remains highly regarded within the club’s Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Ittihad because of the impact he made during his time in charge.

Espirito Santo ended Al-Ittihad’s long wait for major honours by guiding them to the league and Saudi Super Cup double in the 2022-23 season. His success came after a prolonged period in which the club had struggled to compete for trophies.

That record has helped establish the former Al-Ittihad boss as a prominent name in Al-Ahli’s coaching search. Saudi media figures Sami Al-Qadi and former Saudi Arabia international Khamis Al-Zahrani both expect Espirito Santo to take charge of Al-Ahli in the coming days, succeeding Jaissle.

The club’s search has already been associated with a number of high-profile candidates. However, the difficulty of the job has reportedly contributed to Spanish coaches Xavi Hernandez and Marcelino turning down the opportunity to take charge at Al-Ahli, known locally as the “Castle of Cups”.

Jaissle’s exit has left the club needing to make a late decision on its next manager before the new campaign begins. His departure came unexpectedly after negotiations over a new agreement broke down, despite the German having previously led the side.

The move to Newcastle United is expected to bring financial compensation for Al-Ahli, with reports putting the figure at 11m euros. The club must now decide whether to use that compensation as part of a broader reset under a new coach or appoint a familiar figure from the Saudi Pro League.

Espirito Santo’s previous achievements with Al-Ittihad give him a strong connection to Saudi football and a proven record of winning domestic trophies. Whether that experience will lead to his return to the league with Al-Ahli is expected to become clearer over the next few days.

The developments come as Al-Ittihad also face uncertainty over Moussa Diaby’s future, with a major Italian club reportedly threatening the player’s continuation at the Saudi club.