Newcastle criticised over reported move for Matthias Jaissle as Saudi pundit calls for Al Ahli compensation

Saudi broadcaster Walid Al Farraj has launched a strong attack on Newcastle United over their reported move for Al Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle, insisting the Jeddah club should receive both financial and moral compensation if the German departs.

Reports in Saudi Arabia on Thursday claimed that Jaissle had submitted his resignation from Al Ahli in order to take charge of Newcastle United next season, succeeding former manager Eddie Howe.

Neither club has yet made an official announcement, but the speculation has already prompted a backlash in Saudi media, with Al Farraj among the most prominent voices to condemn the situation.

Speaking through his personal account on X, Al Farraj wrote: “رحيل مدرب بطل نخبة اسيا قبل اسبوعين من انطلاق الدوري خبر صادم” – “The departure of the coach of the Elite Asia champions two weeks before the start of the league is shocking news.”

He went on to question the financial logic of the proposed move from Newcastle’s side, highlighting the scale of the figures involved.

“يايسله لم يكن سيجد من يدفع له 11 مليون دولار كشرط جزايي الا نادي مثل نيوكاسل، وربما يتعاقدون معه بـ12 مليون دولار، مايعني 23 مليون دولار سنويا، هل هذة طريقة استثمارية؟” he posted.

Translated, Al Farraj argued that Jaissle would not have found a club willing to pay an $11m release clause “except a club like Newcastle”, adding that the English side might then offer him a $12m salary, making a combined $23m in a single year. He concluded by asking: “Is this an investment strategy?”

Al Farraj ended his message by saying: “اقل مجاملة للاهلي تعويضات مالية ومعنوية” – “The least courtesy to Al Ahli is financial and moral compensation.”

Jaissle’s impact at Al Ahli

Jaissle has been in charge of Al Ahli since 2023 and has overseen a highly successful spell with the club in continental and domestic competition.

Under his leadership, Al Ahli won the Elite AFC Champions League – referred to locally as دوري ابطال اسيا للنخبة – in consecutive seasons, securing back-to-back titles in the revamped Asian competition.

He also guided the club to the Saudi Super Cup, ending a nine-year wait for that particular trophy and reinforcing his reputation as one of the most highly regarded coaches working in Saudi Arabia.

That track record has underpinned the anger in some sections of Saudi media over the timing of Newcastle’s reported move, with the new league season understood to be just two weeks away.

Background to Newcastle interest

Newcastle United, who are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, have been assessing their options after parting company with Eddie Howe, who had previously led the club into the Champions League.

The Premier League side have been linked with several candidates across Europe, with Jaissle emerging as a leading contender in recent days, according to reports in Saudi outlets.

Al Farraj’s public intervention adds a political and emotional dimension to any potential deal, given the shared Saudi ownership links and the perception that Al Ahli, despite their recent success under Jaissle, could be left scrambling for a replacement at short notice.

For now, Jaissle remains under contract with Al Ahli, and no formal confirmation has been issued regarding his resignation or any agreement with Newcastle United. However, the strength of the reaction from figures such as Al Farraj underlines how contentious a move this would be within Saudi football if it goes ahead.