Al Ahly reject three European bids for goalkeeper Mustafa Shobeir, including Como offer

Al Ahly have turned down three approaches from European clubs for goalkeeper Mustafa Shobeir, including a bid worth about $2m from Italian side Como, according to the player’s father, Ahmed Shobier.

Speaking to On Sport FM, former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobier said Danish club Nordsjaelland had made an official offer of $1m, which was later increased slightly, but Al Ahly rejected it.

“Mustafa Shobeir has received three offers so far. Two official bids reached Al Ahly. Nordsjaelland made one and Al Ahly rejected it at the time. It was worth $1m and was then increased slightly,” he said.

The second official proposal came from Czech club Slavia Prague, although Shobeir said his son turned down the opportunity himself.

“The second offer was from Slavia Prague, and Mustafa apologised to them and rejected it,” he added.

Shobier said Como, who finished fourth in the Italian league, then made an offer of approximately $2m. Al Ahly rejected that proposal immediately, informing the Italian club that the goalkeeper was not for sale.

“The third offer was from Como, the fourth-placed team in Italy, for around $2m. As soon as the offer arrived, Al Ahly rejected it completely and said the player was not for sale,” Shobier said.

He also revealed that Mustafa had reaffirmed his commitment to the Egyptian club during discussions with former Al Ahly football director Sayed Abdel Hafiz.

“Mustafa Shobeir told Sayed Abdel Hafiz exactly: ‘I am at Al Ahly’s service,’ and Abdel Hafiz told him that he was being treated like a first-team player,” he said.

Shobier added that negotiations over a new contract were progressing positively, saying: “I said previously that matters are very, very close between Mustafa and Al Ahly.”

However, he did not rule out further interest from abroad, including the possibility that Como could improve their offer.

“Could Como increase their offer? It is very possible. Is it true that there is an offer from one of the major leagues? I have heard that there is, but ultimately the conversation will be between the club and the player, and the relationship between the two sides is very good,” he said.

Shobeir’s current contract with Al Ahly expires at the end of next season. If he does not extend the agreement, he will be entitled to negotiate with another club from January without needing Al Ahly’s permission.

The 26-year-old has made 70 appearances for Al Ahly, keeping 38 clean sheets and conceding 44 goals.

Al Ahly will begin the new season with Shobeir, Mohamed El Shenawy and Hamza Alaa as their goalkeeping options after Mohamed Seha joined Egyptian club Al Masry on loan.

Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, are set to compete in the Champions League next season for the first time in their history.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Shobeir has signed with CAA Base to manage his career. Romano said the goalkeeper had become a potential departure candidate because of interest from several clubs after his impressive performances at the World Cup.

CAA Base also represents Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea players Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, and Tottenham pair Richarlison and Pedro Porro, among other high-profile names.

Shobeir helped Egypt reach the World Cup last 16, where they were eliminated by Argentina after a 3-2 defeat. He attracted attention during the tournament by saving penalties taken by Iran’s Mehdi Taremi in the group stage and Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the last-16 match.