Saudi Club’s Friendly Fumble: United Talks Collapse and a Moroccan Substitute Emerges
25 November 2025
Overview
Al Ahli Jeddah's attempts to schedule a friendly with Manchester United were foiled during the Saudi league halt caused by the Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar.
The Arab Cup finals kick off in Qatar on December 1 and run through December 18, 2025, with the Saudi league pausing during that period and resuming on December 19.
Manchester United friendly collapse
Media outlet Al Riyadiyah reported that Ahli entered negotiations with United in recent weeks, hoping to stage a friendly during the break.
The Saudi club found the English side asking for a price that was far beyond expectations, prompting a final pullback.
Arabic alternative
In search of a substitute, Ahli shifted focus to other potential opponents, with Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca leading the list.
The report said the club's management opened negotiations with Wydad to play a friendly in Jeddah during the break, awaiting final word.
Ahli's board waits for a definitive reply from Wydad, after which they will decide whether to proceed or pivot to another option.
Meanwhile, Ahli will camp in Jeddah after meeting Qadsiah in the King Cup quarterfinal; coach Matias Jaissle will grant a short break before regrouping.
On the continent, Sharjah of the UAE ended Ahli Jeddah's long unbeaten run in the AFC Champions League by beating them 1-0, halting a 22-match streak.
The loss left Ahli at 10 points, second in West Asia Group standings, while Sharjah moved to seven and sixth place.
That defeat halted Ahli's 22-match AFC Champions League unbeaten run, a streak started in April 2021 and ended after 1684 days when Othman Kamara struck in the 81st minute.
Ahli had previously won the AFC Asian Cup last edition, avoiding defeat in 13 consecutive matches, with 12 wins and one draw.
They then beat Kawasaki Frontale at home to lift the title, becoming champions.
Tough challenges
Hard times ahead: expectations to face both AFC Champions League opponents and domestic rivals, with media pressure rising.
Technically, a reassessment of defense, attack, and finishing is needed; psychologically, the squad must stay resilient under growing scrutiny from fans and media, while manager Matias Jaissle steers the ship.
Planning now centers on tactical refinement and maintaining motivation as distractions grow louder around performance and results.
Finally, with a break looming and a stop-start schedule, Ahli faces a crucial period to rebuild form and confidence ahead of the next round of fixtures.
Punchline
Punchline 1: If budget talks were a game, Ahli would need a bigger pitch—the price tag already filled the net before the kickoff.
Punchline 2: In football negotiations, the only thing offside should be the price—everything else should be onside and in harmony with the calendar.
