The Spaniard Marcelino Garcia Toral has settled his stance on coaching Saudi Al Ahli club in the coming period, following the departure of German Matthias Jaissle.
Jaissle had decided to leave Al Ahli Saudi after failing to reach a decisive agreement with the administration to sign a new contract due to some financial disputes.
Newcastle United of England is expected to announce the appointment of Matthias Jaissle as the new coach, succeeding Eddie Howe, on a four-year contract.
Marcelino close to coaching Al Ahli Saudi
The Jeddah club's management table has seen several strong options to take over the technical reins of the first team, including Xavi Hernandez, Vitor Pereira, and Arne Slot.
However, the past hours have witnessed a surprising turn toward the option of contracting with the veteran Spanish coach Marcelino, who has had a strong career in Spanish stadiums over the past years.
French journalist Santi Ona, specializing in player and coach transfer news in Europe and the Middle East, explained that negotiations between the two parties have advanced significantly.
Ona said via his official account on the "X" platform: "Marcelino is about to assume the position of the new coach of the first team at Al Ahli Saudi club."
The transfer market expert added: "Talks between the two parties are at an advanced stage, especially after the Spanish coach has already agreed to succeed Matthias Jaissle."
Marcelino has extensive experience in Spanish stadiums, having previously coached Villarreal, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, and Real Zaragoza, in addition to French Olympique de Marseille.
The Spanish coach (60 years old) won the Spanish King's Cup title with Valencia in 2019, before adding the Spanish Super Cup with Athletic Bilbao in 2021.
