Al-Ahli miss out on Didier Deschamps as former France boss rejects Saudi move

Al-Ahli have failed in their attempt to appoint former France manager Didier Deschamps following the departure of Matthias Jaissle, according to RMC Sport.

Talks between the two parties ended without an agreement.

Deschamps became one of the most sought-after coaches on the market after leaving his role with France last month, bringing an end to a successful 14-year spell in charge of Les Bleus.

The 57-year-old stepped down after France’s defeat in the World Cup third-place play-off on July 18, having previously made it clear that retirement was not on his agenda.

Before the tournament, Deschamps insisted he had not decided what would come next in his career but stressed he intended to remain involved in football in one capacity or another.

He also acknowledged he was fortunate enough to be in a position where he could carefully choose his next challenge.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli quickly emerged as one of the clubs interested in tempting the World Cup-winning coach to the Middle East, and they held discussions over a potential appointment.

However, the negotiations have now collapsed and, barring a dramatic late twist, Deschamps will not be taking charge of the reigning Asian Champions League winners.

One of the major stumbling blocks is understood to have been Saudi football’s decision-making structure.

Unlike the more straightforward recruitment processes seen across Europe, multiple stakeholders are involved in key appointments, with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) having the final say.

That process complicated negotiations, preventing an agreement from being reached despite initial contact between the two parties.

Al-Ahli are now expected to turn to Marino Pusic as Jaissle‘s successor after the German accepted the opportunity to become Newcastle United‘s new head coach.

Despite widespread speculation linking Xavi and Villarreal boss Marcelino with the vacancy, neither coach was ever considered a serious candidate by the Saudi club.