Major move: Al Ahly hold talks over January defensive reinforcement

Mohamed Hussein and Mostafa Ibrahim among players being assessed as club considers defensive options

Al Ahly are continuing to assess defensive options ahead of the January transfer window, with the club reportedly holding regular scouting meetings as it considers adding a new centre-back.

According to media personality Amir Hisham, Al Ahly’s football management is seriously examining the possibility of strengthening the defence and has several names under consideration.

Mohamed Hussein of Zed and Mostafa Ibrahim of Al Ittihad Alexandria are reportedly attracting particular attention, while Hossam Abdel-Magid is also being discussed internally.

However, according to Hisham, there is not currently full agreement within the club over whether to pursue Abdel-Magid.

The situation remains at the assessment stage, with Al Ahly expected to evaluate their options before making a final decision on a January signing.

Al Ahly assess Mohamed Hussein and Mostafa Ibrahim

Mohamed Hussein and Mostafa Ibrahim have emerged as two of the domestic options being monitored by Al Ahly.

Hisham said the club is impressed by the performances of both players and intends to continue assessing their levels before deciding whether to make an approach.

Mohamed Hussein has previously attracted interest from Al Ahly. According to reports, Zed rejected an earlier attempt to take the defender and insisted that he remain with the club.

The defender was also part of Zed’s training camp in Turkey and featured in a friendly match during the preparations.

Al Ahly’s continued interest means his performances will remain under observation as the January window approaches.

Mostafa Ibrahim, meanwhile, has also entered the club’s calculations. The Al Ittihad Alexandria defender is being monitored as part of the search for defensive reinforcements.

The club’s scouting department is expected to continue evaluating the pair before any decision is taken.

Hossam Abdel-Magid remains under discussion

Hossam Abdel-Magid is another name being considered, although his situation appears less clear.

According to Hisham, there is admiration for the defender, but Al Ahly are divided over whether to pursue a deal for him.

Some within the club reportedly believe Abdel-Magid could be an option because of the need to strengthen the back line, while others are less convinced about moving forward with the signing.

That means his name remains on the list but does not currently appear to represent a straightforward transfer target.

The club is therefore continuing to weigh the different options before deciding which player best fits its defensive requirements.

Foreign defender could also be considered

Al Ahly’s search is not necessarily limited to the Egyptian market.

Hisham reported that the club could consider signing a foreign defender if one of its current foreign players leaves during the January transfer window.

That possibility would give the club another route to strengthening its defence if changes are made to the foreign-player group.

For now, however, the scouting process remains focused on assessing the available candidates and determining the most suitable option.

Daily meetings involving the scouting department are reportedly taking place as Al Ahly work towards reaching a decision.

Mahmoud Marei not on Al Ahly’s reported list

Despite speculation surrounding Mahmoud Marei, Hisham said the Pyramids defender is not currently part of Al Ahly’s plans.

He reported that there has been no discussion about signing Marei, despite the defender potentially being eligible to sign for another club in January.

The clarification comes as several names continue to be linked with Al Ahly ahead of the winter transfer window.

For now, no agreement has been reported with any of the defenders being assessed.

Al Ahly’s priority is to identify the right defensive option before January, with Mohamed Hussein, Mostafa Ibrahim and Hossam Abdel-Magid among the names discussed.

The club’s scouting meetings are expected to continue before the final decision is made.