Al-Ittihad consider January move for Al-Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour

Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad are reportedly considering a move for Egypt international Emam Ashour during the January transfer window.

The Al-Ahly midfielder has emerged as a potential target for the Jeddah-based club as they look to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Wiam, Al-Ittihad are keen to secure the services of the 28-year-old when the transfer window opens in January.

Ashour was previously linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League side during the summer transfer window, following his performances for Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

He scored twice during the tournament, finding the net against Belgium in the group stage before adding another goal against Australia in the round of 32.

However, any potential move could prove complicated because of Al-Ittihad’s foreign-player quota.

Saudi Pro League regulations allow clubs to register eight foreign players, in addition to two players born in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ittihad currently have eight foreign players in their squad, including Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, Portuguese midfielder Danilo Pereira, Colombian Richard Rios, Algerian Houssem Aouar, Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, Senegalese Dion Lopy, Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn and Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri.

The club also have several players registered under the category for those born in Saudi Arabia, meaning they would need to free up a foreign-player slot before completing a deal for Ashour.

Colombian midfielder Rios could be among the players considered for removal from the squad list after suffering an ankle ligament injury that is expected to keep him out for up to three months.

Al-Ittihad may, however, decide to postpone major squad changes until the end of the season.

Several players are approaching the final months of their contracts, with Danilo Pereira, Wijnaldum and Bergwijn all due to see their deals expire next summer.

Wijnaldum, in particular, joined the club on a one-year contract on the final day of the previous summer transfer window.

The situation could give Al-Ittihad an opportunity to reshape their squad before making a renewed attempt to sign Ashour.