Monsef Bakrar leaves Dinamo Zagreb for Al Ahly in three-year deal

Algerian striker Monsef Bakrar has completed his move from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, ending his European spell to begin a new chapter in Africa.

The Cairo-based club officially confirmed the signing on Tuesday, announcing that the 25-year-old forward has agreed to a three-year contract after weeks of negotiations and speculation.

Bakrar joins Al Ahly after spells with several clubs across different continents, including ES Sétif, Istra 1961, New York City FC and Dinamo Zagreb, making the Egyptian giants the fifth professional club of his career.

The transfer is reportedly worth around €3 million, with the Algerian international set to receive a signing bonus of $800,000, alongside approximately $300,000 in additional bonuses and contractual benefits.

The move comes after Bakrar enjoyed a productive campaign with Dinamo Zagreb, where his performances helped convince Al Ahly’s management to secure his services.

The striker made 42 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists, numbers that highlighted his attacking contribution and increased his value in the transfer market.

Bakrar’s decision to leave Europe for Egypt has sparked discussion over the next stage of his career. At 25, the forward is entering a period where continued development remains important, and questions have been raised over whether staying in Europe could have provided another opportunity for growth.

Instead, he has chosen to join one of Africa’s most successful clubs and return to the continent’s football scene.

However, Al Ahly’s current situation differs from previous years. The Egyptian club will not participate in the CAF Champions League this season for the first time since 2003 after finishing third in the domestic league.

As a result, they will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup, a competition below the Champions League in terms of prestige.

Bakrar will now be tasked with helping Al Ahly compete for domestic and continental success as he adapts to a new environment.

The Algerian striker will hope his move to Egypt proves to be the right decision as he begins another important stage in his career.