Al Ahly complete fifth summer signing with Akram Tawfik return

Al Ahly have completed the free-transfer signing of Akram Tawfik, bringing the midfielder back to the club on a three-year contract after his departure from Al Shamal.

The Egyptian club confirmed the agreement on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, shortly after Al Shamal announced that Tawfik had officially left the Qatari side.

Al Ahly said Tawfik’s contract would run for the next three seasons. The transfer was completed as a free agent after the player reached a settlement with Al Shamal over the end of his previous agreement.

The Cairo club also confirmed that Essam Serag, head of its contracts department, had completed the financial and administrative procedures required to finalise the deal. He did so in coordination with football director Wael Gomaa.

Tawfik’s move makes him Al Ahly’s fifth signing of the summer. He follows Oktay Abdullah, Ali Mahmoud, Algerian player Monsef Bekrar and Moroccan forward Soufiane Benjdida in joining the club during the current transfer window.

Al Ahly had been closing in on an agreement with Tawfik after he resolved his contractual situation with Al Shamal. The club’s announcement brought an end to the uncertainty surrounding the player’s next destination and confirmed his return after one season away.

Al Shamal announced Tawfik’s departure earlier on Wednesday and thanked him for his time with the club. He joined the Qatari side last season on a free transfer after his contract with Al Ahly expired.

During his spell with Al Shamal, Tawfik made 23 appearances and provided three assists. He also helped the team finish runners-up in the Qatar league.

His return to Al Ahly comes only days after the club saw Tunisia international Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane move in the opposite direction to Al Shamal. Ben Romdhane had been part of Al Ahly’s squad before completing his transfer to the Qatari club.

The agreement with Tawfik had been expected to proceed without major complications once a settlement was reached with Al Shamal. Al Ahly have now formally concluded the deal and added another player to their squad ahead of the new season.

The signing represents the latest step in Al Ahly’s summer recruitment programme, with the Egyptian side having already brought in four other players before confirming Tawfik’s return. His contract has been agreed for three seasons, while the transfer itself carries no fee because he joined as a free agent.