Arne Slot is set to turn down the chance of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia as the former Liverpool boss is committed to remaining in European club football.
The Dutchman left Liverpool at the end of last season and has been approached by Al Ahli to replace Matthias Jaissle, who is set to take over at Newcastle.
Mega-rich Al Ahli were ready to make him their top target.
But Slot is keen to find another top European club to take over and will reject Al Ahli’s official approach.
There has been vast speculation surrounding the Netherlands national team gig after Ronald Koeman was let go following the World Cup but it is understood that Slot is focused on staying in the club game for now, albeit flattered by the potential of managing his country one day.
Slot was sacked by Liverpool at the end of May, just one year after the Dutchman had led the Reds to the Premier League title.
His dismissal came after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League at the end of a campaign where Slot oversaw 20 defeats in all competitions.
Slot also came under pressure from supporters and saw several key players – such as the now-departed Mohamed Salah – speak out about the playing style.
Slot was sacked following a review into Liverpool’s troubled season that was led by Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, chief executive of football at the club’s owner, Fenway Sports Group.
Prior to joining Liverpool, Slot had led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title and the Dutch Cup, while they also finished as runners-up in the Conference League.
Al-Ahli are searching for a new manager with Jaissle poised to join Newcastle following the bombshell news that Eddie Howe will leave his role at St James’ Park.
The German, 38, was previously in charge of Red Bull Salzburg between 2021 and 2023 and has since managed in Saudi Arabia, where he won the Asian Champions League in 2025 and 2026.
The expectation is Jaissle will be Newcastle’s next manager.
His contract is currently with lawyers. He should be in charge when the squad travel to La Manga at the weekend.
