Ole Werner joins Al-Ahli’s shortlist to replace Matthias Jaissle

Ole Werner has emerged as a leading candidate to become the new head coach of Al-Ahli Saudi FC after the departure of his fellow German Matthias Jaissle.

The former RB Leipzig head coach is understood to have entered the club’s selection process as Al-Ahli’s leadership works to appoint Jaissle’s successor before the start of the new season.

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Al-Ahli have already opened communication with Werner as they attempt to make progress on the vacant position. The club is seeking to complete its search quickly, with preparations for the upcoming campaign approaching their final stages.

Longari reports that Al-Ahli’s executive committee has received an initial indication from Werner that he would be willing to take charge of the team. However, negotiations over the contractual details still need to be completed before a final agreement can be reached between the two parties.

The club’s management is keen to settle the coaching issue as soon as possible so that the incoming manager can oversee the final phase of preparations. Al-Ahli are due to compete in more than one domestic and continental competition during the new season, increasing the importance of appointing their next head coach without delay.

Werner’s name has been considered after Al-Ahli reviewed several coaching options in recent days. The Saudi club are looking for a manager with a strong personality who can continue the team’s sporting project and maintain its ambitions of challenging for every available trophy.

The search follows the recent end of Jaissle’s time in charge. His departure has left Al-Ahli looking for another German coach capable of taking responsibility for the squad and guiding the club into the next campaign.

The club, known by the nickname “Al-Raqi”, is now focused on reaching a definitive agreement with its preferred candidate. While Werner has given preliminary approval to the move, the remaining contractual negotiations will determine whether he succeeds Jaissle in the role.

Al-Ahli have not yet completed the appointment, but the contact with Werner represents a clear step in the process. The club’s priority is to ensure that its new manager is in place in time to lead the final preparations for a season in which it will compete across domestic and continental competitions.