Matthias Jaissle Signs New Two-Year Deal with Al Ahli

Al Ahli has secured head coach Matthias Jaissle on a new contract, keeping him at the Saudi club for two more years with an option to extend until June 2028.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Matthias Jaissle has agreed to a fresh two-year contract with Al Ahli, extending his stay beyond his previous deal, which was set to expire in 2026. There is an option for the contract to run for another year until the end of June 2028.

This move comes after weeks of speculation, with reports linking Jaissle to other coaching jobs in Europe, especially after Bayer Leverkusen parted ways with their manager earlier this summer. Al Ahli’s management decided to act fast to keep their coach, offering improved terms and long-term security to Jaissle, who led the club to AFC Champions League glory last season.

JAISSLE’S IMPACT AT AL AHLI

Since joining Al Ahli in 2023, the 37-year-old German coach has transformed the club’s fortunes. Under his leadership, Al Ahli won the AFC Champions League for the first time and finished third in the Saudi Pro League in the 2024/25 season. The team secured 66 points, just five behind league leaders Al Hilal.

Jaissle’s side boasted one of the league’s best defenses and scored 68 goals, with forwards Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez among the top contributors. This strong showing qualified Al Ahli for next season’s AFC Champions League. Jaissle’s success attracted attention from several European clubs, but he chose to continue his work in Jeddah.

LOOKING AHEAD: AL AHLI’S AMBITIONS

Al Ahli’s decision to commit to Jaissle signals their ambition to challenge for the league title and make a deeper run in the Champions League. The club’s next match will be against Al Ittihad, currently fifth in the table and only three points behind Al Ahli.

With the new season starting in two weeks, keeping Jaissle gives the squad stability as they aim to close the gap to their rivals. Al Ahli’s management also hopes that this move will help retain key players and attract new talent.

With an option to extend his contract until 2028, Jaissle will have the chance to build a lasting legacy at the club and cement Al Ahli among Saudi Arabia’s elite teams.