Al-Qanah deny Al Ahly interest in defender Ibrahim Sami

Al-Qanah technical director Abdel Nasser Mohamed has denied negotiations with giants Al Ahly over a potential move for defender Ibrahim Sami ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window.

The 24-year-old centre-back has been linked with a switch to the Egyptian giants as they look to strengthen their defensive options for the second half of the season.

However, Mohamed insists that while there have been reports of Al Ahly monitoring the player, no formal approach has been made to Al-Qanah.

“There are no official negotiations. We hear that he is being watched, but he deserves it,” Mohamed said in an interview with Modern MTI TV.

The Al-Qanah technical director also backed Sami to compete at a higher level, expressing confidence that the defender could establish himself at Al Ahly if given the opportunity.

“If he gets the chance among Al-Ahly’s defenders, he will surpass them after gaining experience, and he will adapt quickly. He is a player with a high level of intelligence, and sometimes I say about him, ‘You are a thug’ because of his calmness on the field,” he added.

Sami has impressed with his performances this season, featuring in seven matches across the Egyptian second division and League Cup, accumulating 574 minutes of playing time.

The defender has also contributed offensively, scoring against Ceramica Cleopatra in the opening round of the league campaign, although Al-Qanah lost the match 2-1.

Al Ahly’s reported interest comes as the Cairo-based club considers its defensive options amid injury and contract concerns. Defender Amr Al-Jazzar has suffered a cruciate ligament injury, while negotiations over a contract extension for Yasser Ibrahim remain unresolved, with his current deal due to expire next summer.

The Egyptian champions currently have Moroccan defender Ashraf Dari, Yassin Marei, Hadi Riad and Yasser Ibrahim among their defensive options.

Although no official negotiations have been confirmed, Sami’s performances have put him on the radar, with the winter transfer window potentially providing an opportunity for Al Ahly to strengthen their back line.