Mahmoud Salah chose Al Ahly over Zamalek and Lionel Messi-owned CD Eldense

Mahmoud Salah’s own preference was decisive in his move to Al Ahly, despite interest from Zamalek and Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, according to Waleed Khalil, president of Ghazl El Mahalla Football Company.

The 18-year-old joined Al Ahly from Ghazl El Mahalla during the summer transfer window, signing a five-year contract.

Khalil said Zamalek had tried to complete a deal for the player while John Edward was the club’s sporting director, but the negotiations could not be concluded because Zamalek were subject to a registration ban.

“Mahamoud Salah is one of the club’s own players and came through the Ghazl El Mahalla youth system,” Khalil told Modern Sport. “There are several other players who have followed the same path.”

He added: “Zamalek asked to sign Mahmoud Salah while John Edward was there, but the negotiations did not go through because of the registration ban.”

Spanish offer

Salah also received an offer from a Spanish club owned by Lionel Messi and competing in the country’s second tier. Khalil said discussions with the club progressed to the point where the terms had been agreed.

“We also received an offer for Salah from one of the Spanish clubs owned by Messi, which plays in the second division,” he said. “I held a video meeting with them and everything was agreed, but the player himself received strong persuasion from Al Ahly.”

Khalil said Ghazl El Mahalla tried to convince Salah that moving to Spain would be the better route for his development, but the player ultimately made his preference clear.

“He wanted to move to Al Ahly, despite our attempts to convince him that playing professionally in Spain would be better,” Khalil said. “In the end, the player’s desire determined his move to Al Ahly.”

Lionel Messi acquired CD Eldense, who compete in the Spanish second division, last month.

Salah made 28 appearances for Ghazl El Mahalla last season, scoring four goals and providing three assists.

He is currently with the Egypt Under-20 team, managed by Wael Reyad, which is preparing for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana next February.

Salah was named the best player at the Under-20 North African Youth Championship, held in Ismailia in October 2026.

The financial terms of his transfer to Al Ahly include an initial payment of 35m Egyptian pounds, split into two instalments, along with a further 10m Egyptian pounds in add-ons, according to FilGoal.com.

The agreement also gives Ghazl El Mahalla a 25% sell-on clause should Salah be transferred in the future.

Salah will pay 2m Egyptian pounds as part of his waiver of outstanding financial dues from Ghazl El Mahalla.