Al Ahly hold on move for Al Ahly Tripoli defender Mustafa Shakshak

Al Ahly have decided to put negotiations for the signing of Mustafa Shakshak, the right-back of Libyan side Al Ahly Tripoli, on hold as the Egyptian giants reassess their recruitment priorities ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The club had been linked with a move for the defender in recent months, with Shakshak emerging as a potential reinforcement for the right side of their defence. However, the club’s management has now opted to delay any concrete steps towards securing his services.

The decision is understood to be influenced by the number of options currently available to head coach on the right side of defence. Mohamed Hany, Akram Tawfik, Karim Fouad and Ahmed Eid are all capable of operating in the position, while Ibrahim El-Assiouty is also nearing the end of his rehabilitation following cruciate ligament surgery.

With several players already available for the role, Al Ahly’s technical team does not consider strengthening the right-back position an immediate priority compared to other areas of the squad that require more urgent attention.

Nevertheless, the situation could change if Mohamed Hany leaves the club when his contract expires at the end of the current season. Such a departure would force the management to reassess its options and potentially reopen discussions over the recruitment of a new right-back.

For now, Al Ahly are directing much of their transfer attention towards strengthening the centre of defence, where they are looking to bring in at least two new players.

The need for defensive reinforcements has become more pressing following Amr El Gazzar’s cruciate ligament injury, while uncertainty surrounding Yasser Ibrahim’s contractual situation has further complicated the club’s plans.

Yasser Ibrahim has yet to reach an agreement over a contract renewal, with the possibility of his departure at the end of the season forcing the club to consider alternative options to maintain depth and competition in central defence.

Al Ahly are also targeting one new midfielder to improve their options in the middle of the pitch and provide greater balance to the squad.

The club’s recruitment strategy is therefore centred on addressing these positions before committing resources to additional signings in areas where they already have sufficient cover.

Shakshak’s situation will be reviewed in the coming period based on the club’s final transfer requirements and the technical staff’s assessment of the squad.

The same approach has also affected plans to sign ZED FC right-back Tarek Alaa, with Al Ahly similarly postponing the possibility of pursuing his transfer as they concentrate on their more pressing recruitment needs.