Sfaxien reject Ahly Benghazi offer for former Al Ahly defender Ali Maaloul

Tunisian reports say Sfaxien have turned down a formal proposal from Libyan club Ahly Benghazi to sign Ali Maaloul.

The offer was reportedly worth $600,000 for Sfaxien, while Maaloul would have received $2.4m over two seasons.

The details were reported by the Tunisian YouTube channel SanS gant, which said Sfaxien’s board had decided not to release the experienced defender.

Sfaxien are keen to compete for silverware this season and view Maaloul as a central figure in their plans. The club believe his experience and importance to the squad make him a key part of their project.

Maaloul, a former Al Ahly player, returned to Sfaxien at the start of last season on a free transfer after his contract with the Egyptian club ended.

He spent nine years with Al Ahly, establishing himself as one of the club’s most prominent players before making his return to Tunisia.

Sfaxien are competing in the current CAF Confederation Cup campaign and have secured a place in the round of 32. Al Ahly will begin their own campaign at the same stage, where they will face Uganda’s Kitara.

Maaloul has made five appearances for Sfaxien this season and provided two assists.

Across all competitions in his career, he has played 223 matches, scoring 43 goals and supplying 52 assists.