Al Ahli are entering the new Saudi Pro League season in a state of real uncertainty, shaped almost entirely by the sudden departure of coach Matthias Jaissle, who resigned to join Newcastle United after three years and two successive AFC Champions League Elite titles. The timing could hardly have been worse, coming just days before the new campaign begins, and the fallout has been significant.

The club moved quickly through a long list of potential replacements, holding talks with Xavi Hernandez and considering names including Nagelsmann, Nuno Espirito Santo and even Didier Deschamps, according to French reports, before settling on Marino Busicic as the new head coach. That process alone signalled the scale of disruption inside the club. A 3-1 friendly defeat to Al Ittifaq, played without a recognised head coach in charge, added to the concern around the squad's readiness.

Off the pitch, the club has also lost Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie, as noted in recent coverage, while Ivan Toney continues to attract interest from European clubs including Tottenham. Al Ahli have responded by pursuing Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus to strengthen their attack, though no deal has been confirmed. The sporting director is also facing serious internal pressure amid the broader instability.

With the Saudi Pro League season opening on August 13 against Al Diriyah away, per the fixture data, Busicic has very little time to steady a squad that was, only weeks ago, considered one of the most settled in the country.