Al Masry sign Eritrean striker Ali Suleiman on four-year deal

Al Masry have signed Eritrean striker Ali Suleiman from Kahrabaa Ismailia for 15m Egyptian pounds, with a further 10m available in performance-related bonuses.

The deal was completed in the final hours before the transfer registration deadline, with Al Masry sending bank guarantees to Kahrabaa Ismailia to secure the move.

Suleiman has signed a four-year contract with the Port Said club after an outstanding campaign in front of goal. He scored 12 times last season, finishing second in the Egyptian Premier League scoring charts, one goal behind top scorer Ahmed Yasser Rayan.

The agreement was concluded despite logistical difficulties on the final day of registration. Banks were closed for the weekly holiday on Saturday, while Al Masry chairman Kamel Abo Ali was abroad. The club therefore provided the required bank guarantees to Kahrabaa Ismailia to complete the transfer.

Suleiman joins Al Masry after Kahrabaa Ismailia were relegated to the Professional League. They finished 11th with 32 points.

Al Masry ended last season in fifth place in the league and have been strengthening their squad ahead of the new campaign under manager Emad El Nahhas.

The club’s arrivals also include Moroccan goalkeeper Abdallah Zayani, Mustafa El-Ash, Mohamed Shokry, Algerian defender Khair El-Din Toual, Mohamed Ahmed “Seha” and Yassin El Mallah.

Suleiman’s signing gives Al Masry an additional attacking option after his prolific season with Kahrabaa Ismailia. His 12 league goals placed him just one behind Ahmed Yasser Rayan in the race for the division’s top-scoring award.

Al Masry will begin their Egyptian Premier League campaign against Smouha in the opening round. The match will be played at New Suez Stadium.

The move was announced after an agreement between the two clubs was reached shortly before the registration window closed. The financial terms include the guaranteed 15m Egyptian pounds and a possible 10m in bonuses linked to the player’s performances.