English Premier League
Al-Ahli could receive 55m Saudi riyals after Matthias Jaissle exit, says Al-Faraj
Al-Ahli Saudi are expected to receive 55m Saudi riyals (£11.6m) under the termination clause in Matthias Jaissle’s contract after the German manager resigned to join Newcastle United.
The potential payment was revealed by Saudi sports broadcaster Waleed Al-Faraj on his new programme on Rotana Sport. Jaissle’s departure had initially been viewed as a major sporting setback for Al-Ahli, but the compensation clause could now provide the club with a significant financial boost.
Jaissle decided to resign from his position only a few days ago before moving to work with Newcastle United in the Premier League. His decision has left Al-Ahli facing an important change in their technical leadership as preparations continue for the new campaign.
According to Al-Faraj, the 55m Saudi riyals represent the value of the penalty clause linked to Jaissle’s contract. Al-Ahli are now waiting to receive that amount following the manager’s decision to leave.
The departure continues to raise questions within the club, particularly because Al-Ahli are preparing for a season featuring a demanding schedule. The timing means the club’s management must move quickly to reorganise its football project before competitive fixtures begin.
Jaissle’s exit has therefore become both a sporting and financial issue for Al-Ahli. The club must identify a new direction for the team while also managing the consequences of losing the coach who had been in charge. At the same time, the compensation payment could give the Saudi club additional financial flexibility during the current transfer window.
Al-Ahli are already active in the market as they seek to strengthen their squad. The club’s management are looking to sign a new defensive midfielder, with the aim of adding greater depth to midfield and giving the team more options in that area.
That recruitment effort is taking place alongside the search for a replacement for Jaissle. The club’s immediate priority is to ensure that preparations for the new season are not disrupted further by the managerial change.
Al-Ahli are scheduled to begin their campaign against newly promoted Al-Diriyah in the Roshn Saudi League on Thursday evening. The fixture will mark the start of the new season for the club and comes at a time of considerable uncertainty following Jaissle’s resignation.
While the manager’s departure has forced Al-Ahli to reconsider their plans, the reported 55m Saudi riyal payment could soften the financial impact. The club must now use the time available to settle its coaching arrangements and complete the squad work required before the opening match.
