Al Ahly hold firm over Imam Ashour as Al Ittihad seek final breakthrough in $10m move

Al Ahly have told Al Ittihad they will only sell Egypt international Imam Ashour if the Saudi Pro League club pay $10m in full up front, with the Cairo side granting a final 48-hour window for that condition to be met.

Al Ittihad have intensified their efforts to sign the midfielder and significantly increased their proposal in recent hours, but the Egyptian champions have rejected each approach and insist they will not part with one of their key players unless their financial demands are satisfied exactly.

According to information obtained by Africa Foot, Al Ittihad recently submitted an improved package worth $6m, plus a further $2m in performance-related bonuses and add-ons linked to sporting targets. That represented a clear rise on the club’s initial offer.

Al Ahly, however, turned down the revised bid immediately, making it clear they would not negotiate on that structure and would only consider a deal under their own terms.

Cash-only demand and 48-hour deadline

Al Ahly’s hierarchy have set out their position directly to Al Ittihad officials, stressing that any transfer for Imam Ashour will require a guaranteed $10m, paid entirely in cash.

The Egyptian club have also imposed a strict time frame, informing their Saudi counterparts that they have 48 hours to agree to those conditions if they want the deal completed before negotiations are shut down.

Sources cited by Africa Foot say Al Ittihad have indicated a willingness in principle to meet the $10m valuation, but are pushing to spread the fee over several instalments rather than pay it all at once.

Under the proposal put forward by the Jeddah club, $6m would be transferred upon signing the contracts, with the remaining $4m to be split into two separate payments. The first instalment would be due at the start of January, with the second scheduled for March.

Al Ahly have flatly rejected that payment plan and reiterated that they will not accept any form of instalments or deferred sums. The full amount, they insist, must be deposited at the moment the deal is concluded.

Al Ittihad seek “final” extension

Faced with Al Ahly’s hardline stance, one Al Ittihad official has asked for an additional – and described as final – grace period to deliver the club’s definitive response before the expiry of the deadline set by the Egyptian side.

The request underlines Al Ittihad’s determination to land Imam Ashour, but also reflects the internal deliberations required to decide whether to commit to the full cash payment demanded.

Imam Ashour, 28, is under contract with Al Ahly until June 2028 and is viewed as one of the central pillars of the team’s long-term project over the coming seasons.

His performances have continued to attract interest from several clubs, yet Al Ahly’s management appear resolute in their desire to retain him. The club is understood to be unwilling to sanction a departure unless an offer satisfies their valuation in full – with immediate, up-front payment of the entire fee remaining a non-negotiable condition.