Al Ahli Saudi FC have given former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez 48 hours to respond to their formal offer, with the Saudi Pro League club preparing for Matthias Jaissle’s expected departure to Newcastle United.
The Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah reports that Xavi has moved to the front of Al Ahli’s list of candidates to replace Jaissle, who is understood to be close to taking charge of a new project in the English Premier League.
Al Ahli officials are also continuing discussions with several other managers in case Xavi declines the proposal. The club’s management is believed to favour appointing a coach with previous experience in the Saudi Pro League or in another league in the region.
Al Ahli’s company is waiting for Jaissle to submit his written resignation in the coming hours. That document would allow the club to complete the formal procedures surrounding his departure.
British broadcaster Sky Sports says Al Ahli are set to receive about €11m from Newcastle United to end Jaissle’s contract with the Saudi club. Jaissle is expected to sign a four-year deal with Newcastle after being selected to succeed Eddie Howe as manager.
Xavi moves ahead in three-man race
Al Riyadiyah previously reported that Al Ahli’s managerial search had been narrowed to three candidates: Xavi Hernandez, Nuno Espirito Santo and Vitor Pereira.
Xavi has since moved ahead of the two Portuguese coaches in the club’s internal discussions, with the next 48 hours expected to determine whether he will accept the offer.
The 46-year-old began his coaching career with Al Sadd in Qatar in 2019. During his time there, he led the club to seven domestic trophies before returning to Barcelona as head coach in November 2021.
At Barcelona, Xavi guided the Catalan side to the 2022-23 La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup. Those successes enhanced his reputation as one of the leading young coaches in European football.
Al Ahli are therefore attempting to secure a manager with a significant playing career and experience at some of the game’s biggest clubs, while also maintaining alternative options should negotiations with Xavi fail to produce an agreement.
Jaissle’s potential move to Newcastle remains central to the situation. The German’s written resignation is still required before Al Ahli can formally complete his exit, while the reported compensation payment from Newcastle would bring the two clubs closer to finalising the change in the dugout.
For now, Xavi remains the preferred candidate, but Al Ahli are continuing to work on other managerial possibilities as they await his answer.
