Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot is set to turn down a lucrative approach from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli to replace Matthias Jaissle, who is departing for Newcastle, as the Dutchman remains focused on securing a top job in European club football.
Arne Slot is preparing to reject a lucrative offer to manage in Saudi Arabia, with the former Liverpool head coach determined to remain within European club football. Al Ahli had identified Slot as their top target to replace Matthias Jaissle, who is set to take over at Newcastle United, and were reportedly ready to make him a formal approach. However, Slot, who departed Liverpool at the end of last season, is understood to be prioritising a move to another leading European club rather than accepting the Saudi Pro League role.
Why Al Ahli wanted Slot
Al Ahli had reportedly targeted Slot because of his reputation for developing young players, playing attacking football, and improving squads without requiring extensive overhauls. His approach fits a wider pattern among Saudi Pro League clubs, which have increasingly pursued elite European coaches in recent years as part of the league’s long-term strategy to raise its global profile.
Newcastle are expected to pay Al Ahli a substantial compensation fee for Jaissle, who still had time remaining on his contract at the Saudi club before agreeing to move to St James’ Park.
Slot’s priorities
Since leaving Liverpool, Slot has attracted interest from multiple clubs across Europe and is understood to be prepared to wait for the right opportunity rather than rush into an immediate appointment. Sources close to the coach say he places significant value on competing regularly in the UEFA Champions League and other leading European competitions, a factor understood to be central to his decision to prioritise staying on the continent.
Netherlands speculation
Slot’s name has also been widely linked with the vacant Netherlands national team job, following Ronald Koeman’s departure after the World Cup. The Dutch federation is now searching for a new head coach ahead of the start of their Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. However, those close to Slot believe he wants to continue working in day-to-day club management before considering a move into international football, and he is not expected to enter the process for the Netherlands role at this stage, despite being reportedly flattered by the prospect of managing his country in the future.
