Ole Werner rejects Al-Ahli | OneFootball

RB Leipzig parted ways with Ole Werner despite the German head coach guiding the Saxony club to a third-placed finish in 2025/26, thus securing a return to UEFA Champions League football. Now without a club, the 38-year-old has rejected a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

According to Bild, Werner was considered as a top candidate to replace Matthias Jaissle, who is nearing a move to Premier League outfit Newcastle United. However, Werner has rejected a contract offer from the Asian Champions League winners worth a reported €11m per season.

It’s a huge increase on his €3.7m per year contract at Leipzig but, per Bild, the timing wasn’t right for Werner, who will use his time off to recharge.

“We decided that a change of head coach was needed,” explained Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer, upon Werner’s dismissal. “[The coaching team] played a major role in our successful rebuild and in qualifying for the Champions League.

“Nevertheless, we believe the challenges ahead require new ideas and a different approach. We wish Ole, Tom [Cichon] and Patrick [Kohlmann] every success and all the best for the future.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder