Al-Ahli Saudi FC are considering a move for former Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo as they continue their search for a new head coach following the unexpected departure of Matthias Jaissle.
Jaissle resigned shortly before the start of the new season after he and the club failed to reach an agreement over the terms of a new contract. The German subsequently left Al-Ahli and is set to join English club Newcastle United, with reports indicating that Newcastle will pay €11m in compensation to the Asian champions.
The sudden change has left Al-Ahli looking for a successor, and Nuno Espirito Santo has emerged as one of the leading possibilities. The Portuguese coach retains a strong standing at the club’s Saudi rival Al-Ittihad because of the success he achieved after a lengthy period in which the team had struggled to compete for major honours.
Nuno guided Al-Ittihad to the league and Super Cup double during the 2022-23 season. That success returned the club to the top of Saudi football and ended a long wait for a sustained challenge for trophies.
His previous work in Saudi Arabia has now made him a serious option for Al-Ahli, according to recent developments. Saudi media figure Sami Al-Qadi and former Saudi Arabia international Khamis Al-Zahrani both expect Nuno to take charge of Al-Ahli in the coming days, replacing Jaissle.
The club have been linked with a number of managers since Jaissle’s exit. However, the demands of the role are believed to have contributed to Spanish coaches Xavi Hernandez and Marcelino turning down the opportunity to take charge at Al-Ahli.
The uncertainty over the managerial position follows a particularly abrupt change in plans. Jaissle’s resignation came before the new campaign had begun, and the disagreement over the proposed contract prevented both sides from reaching a fresh arrangement. His move towards Newcastle has therefore accelerated Al-Ahli’s need to appoint a new coach.
For now, Nuno’s possible return to Saudi football is the clearest development in the search. His familiarity with the domestic game, together with the league and Super Cup double he delivered with Al-Ittihad, has placed him among the names being considered to lead Al-Ahli after Jaissle.
