Jaissle’s Newcastle United arrival tied to Al Ahli’s hunt for new boss

Al Ahli have asked Newcastle United to delay announcing Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach until the Saudi club appoints a replacement for the German.

Jaissle resigned as Al Ahli manager last Thursday in order to take charge of Newcastle United next season. He is expected to succeed Eddie Howe, who previously held the position at the Premier League club.

Although the agreement over Jaissle’s move has reportedly been finalised, Newcastle United have not yet formally confirmed his appointment. Saudi journalist Khaled Al-Zahrani said the delay was requested by Al Ahli, who want to secure a new head coach before Newcastle make their announcement.

Al Ahli are understood to be keen to resolve the managerial vacancy as quickly as possible. The club want their new coach in place for the final stages of pre-season preparation, with the start of the new campaign approaching and the team due to compete in several domestic and continental competitions.

Since Jaissle’s departure, Al Ahli have been linked with a number of potential successors. The names mentioned include former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez, Spanish coach Marcelino, and Portuguese managers Vitor Pereira, Nuno Espirito Santo and Sergio Conceicao. German coach Ole Werner has also been associated with the role.

Al Ahli will officially begin their new season on 13 August, when they face Al-Diriyah in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League. The timing of the fixture has increased the pressure on the club to appoint a manager and complete its preparations.

The Saudi side are also targeting success on multiple fronts. They are seeking to win the Saudi league title for the first time since 2016, while also attempting to retain the AFC Champions League Elite crown they have won in each of the past two seasons.

Jaissle’s expected move to Newcastle United follows a spell in charge of Al Ahli, where he became the latest manager to be linked with the Premier League club after Howe’s departure. Newcastle have yet to make the German’s appointment official, with Al Ahli’s search for a successor currently the reason given for the delay.

The Saudi club’s request means Newcastle’s confirmation of Jaissle is likely to remain on hold until Al Ahli complete their own managerial process. Once a replacement is appointed, the Premier League side are expected to be able to announce the German’s arrival.