Arne Slot has emerged as a candidate for a surprise new job, with Eddie Howe’s abrupt departure from Newcastle prompting a chain reaction among managers.
Howe has stepped down as Newcastle manager, with the 48-year-old’s decision set to be confirmed by the club in due course.
According to the Telegraph, the process began a number of weeks ago, with Howe agreeing to remain in his position until a replacement was identified.
Newcastle are now set to appoint Al-Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle as successor to one of their most popular managers in history.
Jaissle’s impending exit from Al-Ahli has seen Slot become a candidate to take over at the Saudi Pro League club, reports talkSPORT‘s Ben Jacobs.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 3, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot after the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. Manchester United won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot has now been without a job for two months, following his dismissal at Liverpool, and though he has turned down an offer from Fulham he is not thought to be seeking an extended break.
Already viewed as a leading target for the Netherlands job, Slot could now be subject of an approach from Al-Ahli, who are also considering Vitor Pereira.
Whether the Dutchman would take a role in the Middle East at this stage in his career remains to be seen, but there is a sense that he will need to rehab his image after a miserable second season at Liverpool.
Could Arne Slot really take a Saudi Pro League job?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, March 18, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Galatasaray A.?. at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
If a move into international management does not appeal, the opportunity to lead one of Saudi Arabia’s most high-profile sides may be more attractive.
Simone Inzaghi and Ange Postecoglou are among the coaches currently working in the Saudi Pro League, while Jaissle’s own trajectory could serve as inspiration.
AC Milan were also credited with an interest in Slot earlier in the summer but went on to appoint former Man United head coach Ruben Amorim.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa after the UEFA Champions League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Tuesday March 17, 2026.
Fulham, meanwhile, have brought in ex-Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, who was in charge of Real Madrid in the second half of last season.
Slot was rightly lauded after leading Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first campaign in charge, but his tenure unravelled in a disappointing follow-up.
Finishing fifth was enough to secure Champions League football but the manner in which the Reds’ title defence collapsed, with a stubbornly dull style of play and mismanagement of a talented squad, rendered his position untenable.