Ramy Rabia felt ‘undervalued’ by Al Ahly before free transfer to Al Ain, says agent

Ramy Rabia’s agent has claimed the Egyptian defender left Al Ahly for Al Ain on a free transfer after being told he could depart without a fee – a move the player saw as a clear sign of “lack of appreciation” for his long service to the Cairo giants.

Samir Salama, who represents the former Al Ahly captain, also insisted that the high-profile arrival of Egypt international Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” at Al Ahly had no bearing on Rabia’s exit.

Rabia, 33, joined UAE Pro League side Al Ain in the summer of 2025 after his contract with Al Ahly expired, ending a spell in which he played 339 matches for the Red Devils, scoring 18 goals and providing eight assists.

Since moving to the Gulf, he has enjoyed immediate success, helping Al Ain secure both the UAE league title and the domestic cup last season.

‘Zizo deal had nothing to do with it’

Speaking to MBC Masr 2, Salama rejected any suggestion that Al Ahly’s move for Zizo – signed from Zamalek in one of the biggest transfers in Egyptian football – influenced Rabia’s departure.

He said: “انضمام زيزو الى الاهلي لم يكن له اي علاقة بمفاوضات تجديد عقد رامي ربيعة. التفاوض بدا في يناير قبل نهاية عقده بستة اشهر، لكن المقابل المالي المعروض كان بعيدا عن تطلعات اللاعب”.

Translated, Salama explained that talks over a contract extension for Rabia began in January, six months before the deal expired, but the financial offer “fell well short” of what the player was expecting.

The agent emphasised that the decision to leave was rooted in negotiations and how the club valued the defender, rather than any squad reshuffle prompted by Zizo’s signing.

‘A sign of no appreciation’

Salama went on to reveal that a message from within Al Ahly’s hierarchy proved decisive in Rabia’s decision to leave.

He added: “احد المسوولين السابقين في الاهلي ابلغنا وقتها بان اللاعب يمكنه الرحيل مجانا عقب نهاية الموسم، وهو ما اعتبره رامي ربيعة عدم تقدير لمشواره مع النادي، ولا توجد حاليا اي مفاوضات بشان عودته، في ظل تمسك نادي العين الاماراتي باستمراره”.

According to Salama, a former Al Ahly official told Rabia’s camp that the defender would be free to leave at the end of the season without the club seeking a transfer fee – a stance Rabia interpreted as a lack of recognition for his long career with the team.

The agent stressed that there are currently no talks over a potential return to Al Ahly, with Al Ain keen to keep hold of the centre-back after his strong debut campaign.

Long Al Ahly career, instant success at Al Ain

Rabia came through Al Ahly’s youth ranks and became a key figure for club and country, known for his composure on the ball and leadership in defence.

Over his Al Ahly career he amassed 339 appearances in all competitions, contributing 18 goals and eight assists – impressive figures for a central defender – and winning numerous domestic and continental honours.

Since his switch to the UAE in 2025, Rabia has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Al Ain’s back line. His experience and versatility have been widely credited with helping the club complete a domestic double last season, lifting both the UAE Pro League title and the President’s Cup.

No imminent homecoming

Despite periodic speculation in Egyptian media about a possible homecoming, Salama underlined that Rabia’s focus remains firmly on Al Ain and that the Emirati club is unwilling to negotiate his departure.

With Al Ain determined to build on last season’s success and Al Ahly having already reshaped their squad – including the high-profile addition of Zizo – any reunion between Rabia and the African giants appears unlikely in the near future.