Al-Ittihad boss Jens Vissing refuses to discuss possible Imam Ashour move

Al-Ittihad manager Jens Vissing has declined to comment on speculation linking Al Ahly midfielder Imam Ashour with a move to the Saudi club.

Ashour’s performances at the 2026 World Cup have reportedly prompted interest from Al-Ittihad, known as the Tigers, with his name subsequently being connected with a transfer to the Saudi Pro League side.

Speaking after Al-Ittihad’s 1-0 victory over Al-Qadsiah, Vissing was asked about the possible departure of Moussa Diaby and the potential arrival of Ashour.

“Diaby leaving or Imam Ashour joining? I will not talk about anything outside the match,” Vissing said in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

The Danish coach was pressed further on the subject but again refused to discuss possible transfers.

“If you ask me about any player, whether Diaby or anyone else, I will not answer,” he added.

Al-Ittihad’s victory over Al-Qadsiah was their first in the Saudi Pro League this season and their first win against the club since October 2024. Before this match, Al-Ittihad had drawn once and lost twice in their previous three meetings with Al-Qadsiah.

The result moved Al-Ittihad on to four points after two league matches. They remain behind defending champions Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Neom, who have each won both of their opening games and have six points.

For Al-Qadsiah, the defeat was their second under manager Brendan Rodgers. Their previous loss since Rodgers took charge came against Al-Ettifaq last season, with the defeat against Al-Ittihad coming in his 28th match in charge.

Ashour has also been the subject of interest from Turkey. Al Ahly have responded to an offer from Konyaspor by making clear that the midfielder is not for sale.

The Egypt international’s contract with Al Ahly runs until the summer of 2028. FilGoal.com reports that the club have offered him a renewal worth 35m Egyptian pounds per season.

Ashour joined Al Ahly in the summer of 2023 from Danish club FC Midtjylland, having previously played for Ghazl El Mahalla and Zamalek.

He has made 105 appearances for Al Ahly in all competitions, scoring 32 goals and providing 25 assists. During his time with the club, he has won the Egyptian Premier League twice, the Egypt Cup, the Egyptian Super Cup twice, three continental cups, the CAF Champions League and a bronze medal at the FIFA Club World Cup.

At the 2026 World Cup, Ashour scored twice for Egypt. His first goal came against Belgium, when he struck with a powerful long-range effort, while his second was a strong header against Australia.

Those goals were Ashour’s first for the Egypt national team. He has represented the Pharaohs 34 times.