Postecoglou could start working in Saudi Arabia after leaving Spurs

Matthias Jaissle remains officially in charge of Saudi club Al Ahli for now, but significant developments behind the scenes suggest that change may be on the horizon.

The 37-year-old German coach, who guided the club to its historic fourth AFC Champions League title, is reportedly considering a return to European football after an intense and successful stint in the Middle East. While Jaissle still has a year left on his contract, the growing interest from European sides and his own openness to new challenges have fueled speculation that a departure could come sooner rather than later.

Al Ahli, a club that has been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's ambitious football project, is already preparing for life after Jaissle. According to well-respected sources such as The Athletic and The Telegraph, the club has already drawn up a shortlist of high-profile names to replace him and topping that list is none other than Australian coach Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou, who made global headlines by winning the UEFA Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur, is seen as a major candidate to take over the reins at Al Ahli. His triumph with Spurs, defeating Manchester United in the final, marked the club's first trophy in seventeen years and was widely celebrated by fans. However, that success was overshadowed by a disastrous domestic campaign in the Premier League, where Tottenham finished in 17th place the lowest position in the club's modern history. Despite delivering silverware, Postecoglou was relieved of his duties, with Danish manager Thomas Frank brought in as his replacement.

The Australian tactician could now be set for a swift return to the dugout, just weeks after leaving North London. Al Ahli sees him as a coach who not only brings international pedigree but also a possession-based, attacking style of play that aligns with the club's ambitions to remain competitive both domestically and continentally. Postecoglou's experience managing in various leagues, including Japan, Australia, Scotland, and England, makes him an ideal candidate to lead a multinational squad in the Saudi Pro League.

But Postecoglou is not the only big name being considered. Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández is also among the top contenders. The 44-year-old Spaniard, a legendary figure at the Catalan club both as a player and as a coach, has been without a club since parting ways with Barça earlier this year. Xavi, who led Barcelona to a La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup during his tenure, is known for his commitment to tactical discipline and attacking football qualities that appeal to Al Ahli’s leadership as they look to build on their recent continental success.

Both Postecoglou and Xavi are high-profile names that reflect Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to bring world-class football talent into the region. Al Ahli, now re-established as one of the top forces in Asia, is aiming not just for domestic titles but for broader international recognition. Bringing in a globally respected manager is seen as a crucial step in that process.

As the coaching carousel continues to turn, the situation surrounding Jaissle’s future remains uncertain. Though he remains under contract and has not made any public statements about a departure, sources suggest he has received approaches from European clubs, and a mutual agreement to part ways could materialize if the right opportunity arises.

In the meantime, Al Ahli’s management is keeping its options open and maintaining close contact with both Postecoglou and Xavi’s representatives. The coming weeks could prove decisive as the club looks to finalize its leadership for the upcoming season a campaign in which expectations will be higher than ever.

If either Postecoglou or Xavi takes the job, it will mark another chapter in the growing intersection between European football and Saudi Arabia’s global football strategy. And for fans of Al Ahli, it could usher in a new era of star power on the touchline to match the club's recent success on the pitch.