Sofiane Benjdida holds talks with Wael Gomaa as new Al Ahly striker set to miss Lavena friendly

Moroccan forward Sofiane Benjdida has held introductory talks with Al Ahly’s football director Wael Gomaa at the club’s El-Gezira headquarters, but will not feature in Thursday’s friendly against Lavena.

Benjdida, who has joined the Cairo giants on a three-year deal from Moroccan side Maghreb Fes, visited Al Ahly’s main premises for the first time on Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by his representatives.

During his first day at the club, the 24-year-old striker sat down with Gomaa, with the meeting also attended by Essam Sirag El-Din, the head of Al Ahly’s recruitment department. The session formed part of the formal introduction process following the completion of his transfer.

Benjdida is scheduled to begin an individual fitness and rehabilitation programme in the gym on Thursday as he starts integrating into the squad. As a result, he has been ruled out of taking part in the friendly match against Lavena on the same day.

Al Ahly’s summer business and pre-season schedule

Benjdida becomes one of four new arrivals at Al Ahly so far this summer. The club have already secured the signings of Algerian player Mounsef Bekrar, as well as Aqtay Abdallah and Ali Mahmoud, as they strengthen for the new campaign.

Al Ahly face Lavena in a warm-up game on Thursday 30 July, before playing another friendly against Petrojet Asyut on 5 August as part of their domestic preparations.

The team will then head to Spain for an overseas training camp, departing Cairo on 6 August. During that camp, Al Ahly are set to play a high-profile friendly against Barcelona on 19 August, giving their new recruits, including Benjdida, an opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition once he has completed his initial fitness work.

The club have not yet indicated when Benjdida is expected to make his first on-pitch appearance in an Al Ahly shirt, but his early arrival at the El-Gezira base and immediate start to tailored physical work underline the intention to integrate him into the squad structure over the coming weeks.