Jeddah: Spaniard Marcelino Garcia is close to taking over as manager of Al-Ahli Jeddah. Press reports revealed that the management of Al-Ahli Jeddah of Saudi Arabia is on the verge of finalizing negotiations with Marcelino Garcia to lead the first team in the upcoming season, succeeding the German Matthias Jiesle, who recently ended his tenure with the club known as 'Al-Raqui'.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, French website Foot Mercato reported that Al-Ahli Jeddah's management has reached a preliminary agreement with Marcelino, who has agreed to assume the role of head coach starting next season. Marcelino, 60, has an extensive coaching career in Spanish football, having managed prominent clubs such as Villarreal, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, Real Zaragoza, Recreativo Huelva, and Racing Santander.

Marcelino's last tenure was with Villarreal, where he managed 121 matches across all competitions, securing 60 victories before announcing his departure last May. His period at Villarreal saw the team compete for several domestic and European titles. Notable achievements in his career include leading Valencia to the Copa del Rey title in the 2018-2019 season and winning the Spanish Super Cup with Athletic Bilbao in 2021. These accomplishments have made him a sought-after coach in the summer transfer market.

Al-Ahli's management is hopeful that Marcelino's extensive experience will aid in steering the team through its next phase. The club aims to continue its sporting project, further advancing with its distinguished group of local and foreign players.