Al Ittihad submit improved $8m bid for Emam Ashour, but Al Ahly stand firm on $10m price tag  

Al Ittihad have submitted an improved bid for the signing of Egypt and Al Ahly attacker Emam Ashour in the current transfer window.

Ashour, who enjoyed an amazing 2026 World Cup campaign with Egypt has become one of the most sought-after players, with the Saudi giants pushing to capture his signature at the expense of other clubs.

Negotiations between Al Ittihad and Al Ahly have intensified, with the Saudi giants reportedly submitting an improved offer in an attempt to convince the Egyptian powerhouse to release one of their most important players ahead of the new season.

According to reports, the Jeddah-based club increased their offer to a package worth $8 million, consisting of an initial payment of $6 million along with an additional $2 million in performance-related bonuses linked to Ashour’s appearances, achievements and contribution with the team.

However, Al Ahly’s management has maintained a firm position and has shown no willingness to compromise on its valuation of the Egyptian midfielder. The Cairo giants have informed their Saudi counterparts that they will only consider selling Ashour if their full financial demands are met.

Al Ahly reportedly insists on receiving $10 million in full upon completion of the transfer, with the club refusing any proposal that involves delayed payments or installment plans.

The Egyptian champions have made it clear that immediate payment of the agreed transfer fee is a non-negotiable condition, especially given Ashour’s importance to the squad and his status as one of the key figures in the club’s technical plans.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly have given Al-Ittihad a 48-hour deadline to make a final decision — either accept the club’s financial demands or end negotiations permanently.

Despite the disagreement over payment structure, Al-Ittihad remains determined to complete the signing. The Saudi club has reportedly expressed its willingness to reach the $10 million valuation but has requested flexibility regarding the method of payment.

The Jeddah club proposed paying $6 million immediately after signing the contracts, followed by the remaining amount through two separate installments scheduled for January and March.

That proposal, however, was rejected by Al Ahly, who remain committed to receiving the entire transfer fee at once. Club officials believe Ashour’s importance and market value justify their stance and are unwilling to risk compromising their financial position.

An official from Al-Ittihad is said to have requested additional time to reconsider the situation and provide a final response before the deadline imposed by Al Ahly, in an effort to keep negotiations alive and find a solution acceptable to both sides.

Ashour has become a central figure in Al Ahly’s squad since joining the club and is viewed as one of the pillars of the team’s midfield. His technical ability, attacking influence and versatility have made him a valuable asset for both club and country.

The Egyptian international remains under contract with Al Ahly until the summer of 2028, giving the club a strong negotiating position. With several years remaining on his deal, Al Ahly are under no pressure to sell unless their valuation is fully respected.

For now, the future of Imam Ashour remains uncertain, with the coming hours expected to determine whether Al-Ittihad can meet Al Ahly’s demands or whether the Saudi club will have to abandon its pursuit of one of Egypt’s brightest midfield talents.