Rui Santos has emerged as a possible short-term solution for Al-Ahli Saudi after taking charge of the first team’s training following the departure of German manager Matthias Jaissle.
The Portuguese coach is currently overseeing preparations on a temporary basis, with Al-Ahli Saudi yet to finalise an agreement with a permanent successor before the start of the new season. The uncertainty has raised the possibility that Santos could remain in charge, at least for the opening part of the campaign.
Santos, who manages Al-Ahli Saudi’s under-21 side, led the first-team session alongside Mohammed Massad, according to Al-Riyadiyah. The training took place after the players returned from their holiday, which followed the conclusion of the club’s overseas camp in Austria and Portugal.
Al-Ahli Saudi’s management has been working to secure an agreement with a foreign head coach, but negotiations with several candidates have stalled in recent days. That lack of progress has increased the pressure on the club to resolve the managerial situation quickly.
Although Santos’ appointment is only temporary at present, the limited time available before the new season begins could give him an unexpected opportunity. If the club fails to complete a deal with a new manager in the coming days, he may be asked to lead the team into the first fixtures of the campaign.
The immediate deadline facing Al-Ahli Saudi is the opening match of the Roshn Saudi League season. The club will begin its campaign against Al-Diriyah on 13 August, leaving the management with little time to settle the technical structure of the team.
The club must now decide whether to continue its search for an overseas manager and risk entering the season without a permanent appointment, or place its trust in Santos for the initial stage of the campaign.
Santos’ involvement with the first team follows the players’ return from their pre-season programme, making the upcoming sessions particularly important as Al-Ahli Saudi prepares for its league opener. For now, however, the Portuguese coach’s position remains provisional rather than a confirmed long-term appointment.
The situation comes as the club attempts to move on from Jaissle’s departure while ensuring that preparations for the new season are not disrupted. With negotiations yet to produce a final agreement, Santos has become the immediate figure leading the squad, even though the club’s preferred outcome remains the appointment of a new head coach.
The source article also directs readers to a separate report asking whether Mohamed Salah could be heading to Atletico de Madrid.
