Al Ahli turn to Xavi as Newcastle prepare move for Matthias Jaissle

Al Ahli have given former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez 48 hours to respond to their formal offer to become the club’s new head coach, with Matthias Jaissle expected to leave the Saudi Arabian side for Newcastle United.

Negotiations between Al Ahli and Xavi have reached a decisive stage, according to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah. The 45-year-old Spaniard has moved to the top of the club’s list of candidates to replace Jaissle, who is nearing a move to the Premier League.

Al Ahli officials are continuing discussions with several other managers in case Xavi turns down the offer. The club’s management is understood to have a clear preference for appointing a coach with previous experience in the Saudi Pro League or another league in the region.

The club is also waiting for Jaissle to submit his written resignation in the coming hours. That document would allow Al Ahli to complete the formal procedures for his departure.

According to British broadcaster Sky Sports, Al Ahli are set to receive about 11m euros from Newcastle United in compensation for ending Jaissle’s contract with the Saudi club.

Jaissle is expected to sign a four-year contract with Newcastle after being selected to succeed Eddie Howe as manager. The German coach’s departure would leave Al Ahli searching for a replacement, with Xavi now occupying the leading position in the club’s succession plans.

Three candidates remain in contention

Al Riyadiyah previously reported that Al Ahli’s shortlist had been reduced to three names: Xavi Hernandez, fellow Spaniard Vitor Pereira and Portuguese coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

Xavi has moved ahead of the other two candidates in the latest stages of the process, although Al Ahli continue to keep alternative options under consideration while they wait for his decision.

The former Spain international began his coaching career with Al Sadd in Qatar in 2019. During his time there, he won seven domestic trophies before returning to Barcelona as head coach in November 2021.

At Barcelona, Xavi guided the club to the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup during the 2022-23 season. Those achievements reinforced his reputation as one of the leading young managers in European football.

His possible appointment would represent a significant change in direction for Al Ahli as the club prepares for life after Jaissle. The German manager’s anticipated move to Newcastle has accelerated the process, while the 48-hour deadline leaves Xavi with a short period in which to decide whether to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.

Al Ahli’s negotiations with the former Barcelona coach are therefore expected to determine the next stage of the club’s managerial plans, with the Saudi side also prepared to move for another candidate if an agreement cannot be reached.