Al Ahly pay first instalment of Mahmoud Salah transfer to Ghazl El Mahalla

Al Ahly have paid Ghazl El Mahalla 22.28m Egyptian pounds as the first instalment of their deal to sign Mahmoud Salah, according to a source at the club.

The 18-year-old moved from Ghazl El Mahalla to Al Ahly during the summer transfer window, with the initial payment forming part of an agreement worth 35m Egyptian pounds, excluding value-added tax.

A source at Ghazl El Mahalla told FilGoal.com: “We received 22 million and 280 thousand Egyptian pounds from Al Ahly as the first instalment of the Mahmoud Salah transfer, which is worth 35 million Egyptian pounds, apart from the value-added tax.”

The payment confirms the first stage of the financial agreement between the two Egyptian clubs. FilGoal.com had previously reported that the transfer fee of 35m Egyptian pounds would be paid in two instalments.

The deal also includes a further 10m Egyptian pounds in potential additional payments. Ghazl El Mahalla are entitled to 25% of any future resale of Salah, giving the club a continuing financial interest in the player’s career after his move to Al Ahly.

As part of the arrangements, Salah will give up 2m Egyptian pounds in outstanding dues owed to him by Ghazl El Mahalla. That amount will be treated as a waiver of his financial claims against his former club.

Salah established himself in Ghazl El Mahalla’s first-team squad last season. He made 28 appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists.

His move to Al Ahly comes as he remains involved with Egypt’s under-20 set-up. Salah is currently with the youth national team, which is coached by Wael Riad and preparing for the North Africa qualifiers for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The transfer is therefore a significant step in the teenager’s development, while the payment structure ensures Ghazl El Mahalla receive an immediate return and retain the possibility of further income through add-ons and a sell-on clause.

Al Ahly’s first payment represents the agreed opening instalment of the transfer rather than the full value of the deal. The remaining financial elements include the second instalment, the possible 10m Egyptian pounds in additions and any future proceeds generated by a subsequent sale of Salah.