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Surprise? Xavi Hernández, wanted by Al-Ahli Saudi
Published New:15/06/2025 - 03:04h
Updated New:15/06/2025 - 03:04h
Xavi Hernández could continue his coaching career at Al-Ahli Saudi. Will the egarense accept to return to the bench in 25/26?
The name of Xavi Hernández has once again been mentioned as a possible replacement for a European coach in the Arab league. The former FC Barcelona coach is still without a team a year after leaving the Azulgrana team and is still unclear about his future.
According to 'The Athletic', the egarense coach is Al-Ahli Saudi's first option to replace coach Matthias Jaissle. The 37-year-old German took over the team in July 2023 and, since then, has accumulated a 67.84% effectiveness, the product of 53 wins, 14 draws and 18 losses.
Al-Ahli won the Asian Champions League this year, after defeating Kawasaki Frontale in the final (2-0), but is aiming to leave this summer, probably to try his luck in the Bundesliga.
Xavi Hernández, Al-Ahli's first option for their bench this summer
In principle, Jaissle could return to his country with RB Leipzig. Previously, he coached Austrian Salzburg between 2021 and 2024, a team also owned by Red Bull.
In that sense, Xavi Hernández is the first option for Al Ahly to replace the one from Nürtingen. The former Barça coach, as he had promised, took a sabbatical year after leaving the Azulgrana team.
The Terrassa native has been linked to several clubs in Europe, but the Saudi offer is very tempting. Before his arrival at Barça, Xavi had taken charge of Qatari Al Saad. Among the last clubs attentive to the future of the Catalan coach was Bayer Leverkusen, after the departure of Xabi Alonso.
However, Erik ten Hag was finally chosen by the aspirin team. In the case of Al Ahly, there is also another European coach on their radar, as long as Matthias Jaissle ends his contract a year earlier than expected.
Ange Postecoglou, Al-Ahli's plan B if Xavi fails
The same 'The Athletic' assures that, if Xavi declines Al-Ahli's offer, Ange Postecoglou will be the Saudi team's alternative option. The Greek coach was fired by Tottenham despite winning the Europa League.
The 'spurs' finished the Premier League on the verge of relegation, in 17th place, for which they decided to hire the Danish Thomas Frank. Thus, the exchange of cards continues on the benches of several European clubs and Xavi Hernández still has not defined his future.
Will the Arab league be the next destination for the egarense? For now, the Catalan coach does not seem sure of what his next step will be. Hence, the option of taking another season off remains on the table.
