Mohamed Sherif switches transfer target from Al-Shorta to Al-Zawraa

Mohamed Sherif has agreed to join Iraqi club Al-Zawraa from Al Ahly on a season-long loan, changing his intended destination from fellow Iraqi side Al-Shorta.

The Egypt striker had recently been linked with a move to Al-Shorta and had already received permission from Al Ahly to complete the transfer. However, a source close to Sherif told FilGoal.com that the player had now reached an agreement to move to Al-Zawraa instead.

“The player has completed his agreement to join Al-Zawraa of Iraq on loan for one season after Al Ahly’s approval,” the source said.

The source added: “Sherif preferred Al-Zawraa’s offer to Al-Shorta’s because it was more suitable for him.”

The move remains subject to the completion of the formal transfer arrangements, with Sherif set to leave Al Ahly temporarily despite having a contract with the Egyptian club until the summer of 2030.

Sherif returned to Al Ahly at the start of the previous season after spending two campaigns with Saudi Arabian club Al-Khaleej. During the last campaign, he made 20 appearances for Al Ahly, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

His departure comes after Al Ahly strengthened their attacking options during the current summer transfer window. The club signed three forwards: Moroccan Sufian Benjeddah, Algerian Moncef Bekrar and ENPPI player Aqtay Abdallah.

Al-Zawraa will begin their Iraqi Premier League campaign on Saturday, 15 August, when they face Al-Minaa. The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 in the opening round of the competition.

The Iraqi club will also compete in the Gulf Champions League next season. They qualified for the tournament after finishing fourth in the Iraqi league table last season.

Sherif’s move to Al-Zawraa therefore represents a change from the earlier expectation that he would join Al-Shorta. Al Ahly had already approved a loan transfer, but the striker ultimately chose the offer he considered the better fit, according to the source close to him.