Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot turns down vacant Al Ahli role to remain in Europe | OneFootball

Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot is set to turn down a big-money offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli as he looks to continue his managerial career in European football, the Daily Mail reports.

Slot had emerged as Al Ahli’s preferred choice to replace Matthias Jaissle, who is widely expected to become Newcastle United’s new head coach. 

The Saudi club were prepared to make Slot their leading target and offer an attractive financial package, but the Dutch coach has other plans.

Rather than making the move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL), Slot is focused on securing another job with a top club in Europe. 

While moving to the SPL will undoubtedly come with a massive payday, the 47-year-old believes his next challenge should come in one of Europe’s major leagues.

There has also been speculation linking Slot with the Netherlands national team after Ronald Koeman’s departure following the World Cup. 

The opportunity to manage his country is appealing, but Slot prefers to stay in club football for now. A move into international management may come later in his career, but it is not his immediate priority.

Slot has been out of a job since leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. He spent two years at the club and led the Merseyside giants to the Premier League title in his debut campaign.

However, he failed to replicate that success at the second time of asking and qualifying for the Champions League by the skin of their teeth didn’t help his case.

The Reds finished fifth in the table and suffered 20 defeats across all competitions.

That performance was considered unacceptable by the fans, who were calling for his sack even before the curtains dropped on the 2025/26 campaign.

His fallout with club legend Mohamed Salah also played a part in the club’s decision, with the Egyptian icon repeatedly expressing concerns about his style of play during the season.

Liverpool ultimately carried out a review before deciding to part ways with the Dutchman, who has since been replaced by Spanish manager Andoni Iraola.