Alexandria’s Al Ittihad open talks to sign Sporting playmaker Yassin Cheikho in 2.5m EGP deal

Al Ittihad of Alexandria have begun negotiations with Sporting to sign playmaker Yassin Cheikho as the club targets its third major addition ahead of the new basketball season.

Club president Mohamed Ahmed Salama confirmed that discussions are under way with Sporting over a transfer for Cheikho, who has recently been part of the Egypt national team set-up.

Salama told FilGoal.com: “We are negotiating with Sporting to sign their playmaker Yassin Cheikho to be the third signing for the team in the new season.”

He explained that the move for Cheikho comes after Al Ittihad secured the services of Ahmed Rehan from Sporting and former Al Ahly player Malek Yasser.

Transfer fee and registration details

Salama said that, should the talks reach a successful conclusion, Al Ittihad will pay 2.5 million Egyptian pounds to the Egyptian Basketball Federation in order to register Cheikho in the club’s squad list.

This payment would cover the official registration procedures required for the player to be eligible to represent Al Ittihad in domestic competition in the coming campaign.

Cheikho’s recent international role

Cheikho has been one of the players involved with the Egypt national team in recent periods under Spanish head coach Augusti Bosch.

His appearances for Egypt under Bosch have raised his profile domestically, with his playmaking ability becoming a key factor in Al Ittihad’s push to reinforce their roster following last season’s disappointment.

Recent signings Rehan and Yasser

Al Ittihad have already moved in the market, bringing in Ahmed Rehan from Sporting as part of their summer recruitment.

The club also completed the signing of Malek Yasser after his contract with Al Ahly expired. Yasser had joined Al Ahly on a short-term deal lasting only six months before leaving at the end of that agreement.

The acquisition of Yasser on a free transfer and Rehan from Sporting has set the tone for Al Ittihad’s strategy, with Cheikho targeted as the third piece in a strengthened core for the new season.

Responding to league disappointment

Al Ittihad are reshaping their squad after losing the Egyptian League title last season to Al Ahly in the final.

The defeat in the championship series has prompted the Alexandria club to act decisively in the transfer market, looking to add quality and depth in key positions, particularly in the backcourt.

By moving for a national-team playmaker such as Cheikho, alongside bringing in Rehan and Yasser, Al Ittihad are aiming to close the gap on Al Ahly and mount another serious challenge for domestic honours in the upcoming campaign.