Al Ahli Eye Xavi Hernandez , Postecoglou as Jaissle Exit Looms

Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli have approached both Xavi Hernandez and Ange Postecoglou as potential managerial options in case current head coach Matthias Jaissle parts ways with the club.

Jaissle, who has a contract until 2026, recently led Al Ahli to their first-ever AFC Champions League title, but he has reportedly rejected several new contract offers. While he remains popular among fans, the club has begun exploring successors, and talks with Postecoglou are said to be progressing quickly.

Postecoglou was recently sacked by Tottenham Hotspur, just weeks after delivering their first major trophy in 17 years—a UEFA Europa League win over Manchester United. Despite the success in Europe, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, triggering his dismissal.

Xavi, meanwhile, has been out of management since his Barcelona exit in 2024. The former Barça midfielder had initially planned to step down but reversed his decision before ultimately being sacked a month later. He had won La Liga in his first season as coach.

Both candidates would be walking into a high-profile project. Al Ahli’s squad features Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney, and the club has been backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund since 2023, triggering heavy investment in global talent.

If Jaissle does leave, Al Ahli will be looking to make a bold appointment to sustain their continental momentum—and both Xavi and Postecoglou fit that ambition.