Insiders within Al-Ahly Football Club have disclosed an unexpected shift in the approach of the club’s football management regarding the potential acquisition of Ahmed Hegazi, the national team defender and player for Al-Ittihad Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
This revelation comes following Hegazi’s performance with the Egyptian national team in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations 2023 held in Ivory Coast.
Sources, speaking exclusively to “Al-Watan Sport,” indicate a growing inclination to step back from finalizing the deal with Ahmed Hegazi to reinforce Al-Ahly’s defense in the upcoming period.
This decision is attributed to Hegazi’s display during the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Ivory Coast, which did not meet the expectations of the club’s football management and the coaching staff led by Marcel Koehler.
The sources emphasize that Ahmed Hegazi’s performance with the Egyptian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations has not inspired confidence in the club’s football administration and the coaching staff, leading to a reconsideration of the potential deal.
It is asserted that the prevailing sentiment within Al-Ahly, at present, leans heavily towards a complete withdrawal from negotiations or any contractual agreement with Ahmed Hegazi.
Ahmed Hegazi, a highly regarded defender, failed to deliver the anticipated performance in the first three matches for the Egyptian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Ivory Coast.
Numerous defensive lapses by the team’s defenders resulted in conceding a total of 6 goals in just 3 matches.
As Al-Ahly actively seeks to bolster its defensive lineup during the current period, the once-prominent candidate Ahmed Hegazi appears to be losing favor.
The club is exploring alternatives for a robust defender to fortify the backline.
The evolving situation regarding Ahmed Hegazi’s potential move to Al-Ahly after the Africa Cup of Nations adds an element of uncertainty to the football landscape, with fans and enthusiasts keenly monitoring developments within the club’s decision-making process.