Al-Ittihad revive interest in Al Ahly star Emam Ashour ahead of January transfer window

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad have reportedly revived their interest in Egyptian international Emam Ashour as they consider strengthening their squad during the upcoming January transfer window.

The Al Ahly midfielder has once again emerged as a transfer target for the Jeddah-based club, with Saudi newspaper Al Wiam reporting that Al-Ittihad are keen to secure his services when the winter market opens.

Ashour, 28, was previously linked with a move to the Saudi Arabian outfit during the summer transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise.

His impressive performances for Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup further strengthened his reputation, with the midfielder reportedly scoring twice during the tournament, against Belgium in the group stage and Australia in the round of 32.

However, Al-Ittihad could face complications in their pursuit of the Egyptian international due to restrictions on foreign players in the Saudi Pro League.

Under the league’s squad regulations, clubs are permitted to register eight foreign players alongside two players born in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ittihad have already filled their eight foreign-player slots, meaning they would need to make room in their squad before completing a deal for Ashour.

Their current foreign contingent includes Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, Portuguese defender Danilo Pereira, Colombian midfielder Richard Rios, Algerian Houssem Aouar, Dutch duo Georginio Wijnaldum and Steven Bergwijn, Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy and Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri.

Meanwhile, Jan-Carlo Simic, Roger Fernandes, George Ilenikhena and Mohamed Doumbia occupy the club’s designated born-player slots.

Richard Rios could emerge as a possible candidate to make way should Al-Ittihad decide to pursue Ashour in January. The Colombian midfielder, who joined on loan from Benfica, is reportedly facing an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle ligament injury that could keep him out for up to three months.

Alternatively, Al-Ittihad could postpone their recruitment plans until the end of the season, when several players are expected to reach the end of their contracts.

Danilo Pereira, Wijnaldum and Bergwijn are among those whose deals expire next summer, potentially giving the club an opportunity to restructure its squad and create space for new arrivals.

For now, Al-Ittihad’s reported interest in Ashour remains a developing transfer story, with the club facing an important decision over their foreign-player allocation before making a formal move for the Al Ahly star.