Al Ahly are exploring the possibility of recalling former midfielder Hamdy Fathy as a contingency plan in case Malian star Aliou Dieng leaves at the end of the season.
Dieng’s contract with the Egyptian giants is set to expire soon, and despite multiple negotiations, the player has yet to commit to a renewal, leaving the club uncertain about their midfield future.
Earlier this year, Dieng received an offer from Spanish side Valencia to acquire the remaining six months of his contract. While the proposal reportedly amounted to $500,000, Al Ahly head coach Jes Thorup insisted the midfielder remain at the club until season’s end. The board agreed, considering the financial offer insufficient to justify an early departure.
With Dieng yet to extend his contract, internal discussions have emerged around bringing back Hamdy Fathy, who currently plays for Qatari side Al-Wakrah.
A source within the club told WinWin that the idea of recalling Fathy is still under consideration and no final decision has been made.
Discussions between the coaching staff and football department executives are expected in the coming days as the club weighs the feasibility of reintegrating the former star into the squad.
Dieng’s stance on renewal has been clear: he remains focused on pursuing a professional career in Europe. Al Ahly reportedly offered him a deal worth $1.4 million per year, in addition to a commercial contract tied to sponsorships and media marketing, but the midfielder appears determined to prioritise a move abroad. Valencia remains his top choice, making the likelihood of an extension uncertain.
Despite the potential loss, Al Ahly are preparing to safeguard their midfield, with Fathy’s return emerging as a viable solution.
