Al Ahly prioritise defensive signings as January transfer plans take shape

Al Ahly have begun planning for the January transfer window, with strengthening their defence identified as the club’s main priority as they continue competing in domestic competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup.

FilGoal.com understands that the decision has been influenced by Amr El Gazar’s cruciate ligament injury. The club are assessing several defensive options and will continue monitoring potential targets before deciding which player to approach.

Hossam Abdel Meguid is among the names being considered, while Mohamed Hussein of ZED and Mustafa Ibrahim of Al Ittihad Alexandria have also entered Al Ahly’s list of players under observation. The pair will be followed until January before the club chooses whether to open negotiations with one of them.

If no outstanding foreign player becomes available, the most likely outcome is that Achraf Dari will remain with Al Ahly until the end of the season.

Midfield plans delayed

Al Ahly had been looking to add another midfielder before the start of the season. However, after renewing Imam Ashour’s contract, the club decided to postpone that plan until next season.

The club believe they already have sufficient options to complete the campaign in midfield. Those players include Imam Ashour, Afsha, Marwan Attia, Omar El Saaiy, Ahmed Reda, Ahmed Khaled “Kebaka”, Akram Tawfik and Ali Mahmoud.

Zizo is also being used in the position, giving manager Hussein Ammouta another option in the centre of the pitch.

Reda Slim closest to departure

Reda Slim is currently the player most likely to leave Al Ahly in the next January window.

His departure could either be on loan or through a permanent transfer, with the club yet to decide which option will be pursued.

Several players may leave on loan

Al Ahly could send one or more players out on loan in January because of the large number of players in the squad.

Ahmed Eid is the leading candidate to depart temporarily. His opportunities at right-back are limited by the presence of Mohamed Hany, Akram Tawfik and Karim Fouad.

Karim El Debes is another player being considered for a loan move. At left-back, Hussein Ammouta has mainly relied on Ahmed Nabil “Koka” and Karim Fouad, while Tawfik Mohamed is also being prepared to play in that position.

The club will therefore continue reviewing the squad before finalising its January recruitment and departure plans.