Emam Ashour’s Al Ahly future uncertain as Saudi clubs explore move

Egypt midfielder Emam Ashour’s future at Al Ahly remains uncertain after negotiations over a contract extension stalled because of a disagreement over his financial demands.

According to exclusive information obtained by Africa Foot, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement, with Ashour’s expectations exceeding the offer made by the Egyptian giants.

Al Ahly have proposed an annual salary of about 25 million Egyptian pounds, equivalent to around $500,000, plus a further 10 million Egyptian pounds, or approximately $200,000, in benefits and bonuses.

The proposal has reportedly failed to satisfy Ashour, who believes the package does not reflect his importance to the team since his arrival at the Cairo club.

Al Ahly frustrated by negotiations

The disagreement has reportedly caused frustration within the Al Ahly hierarchy as the club attempts to retain one of its most important players.

Al Ahly are keen to keep Ashour but are not currently willing to meet what they regard as excessive financial demands.

Talks between the two parties are continuing, although Ashour is reportedly in no rush to accept the club’s offer and commit his future to the Red Castle.

Agent opens Saudi talks

With the contract negotiations yet to produce an agreement, Ashour’s representative has started exploring possibilities in Saudi Arabia.

According to the same sources, the midfielder’s profile has been presented to Al-Shabab and Al-Fayha as potential destinations should his discussions with Al Ahly fail.

However, the source said Ashour’s agent is not necessarily expecting a Saudi club to pay $10m directly for the player.

Al Ahly have reportedly set that figure as the minimum amount they would accept for Ashour’s transfer to Al-Ittihad.

The chances of securing such a fee could be affected by developments in the Saudi transfer market, with several leading clubs having already moved early to strengthen their squads according to specific technical needs.

Saudi Arabia preferred foreign option

Africa Foot reports that Ashour is not currently interested in a move to either Qatar or the United Arab Emirates.

Instead, the Egypt international is looking for a destination that can provide both a strong sporting project and financial terms that match his ambitions.

As a result, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the most prominent foreign option for Ashour if he cannot reach an agreement with Al Ahly.

For now, the midfielder’s future remains unresolved, with Al Ahly still working to keep him while his representatives assess alternatives outside Egypt.