Moroccan international Youssef Belamri has shared his excitement after joining Egyptian outfit Al Ahly in the current transfer window.
The 27-year-old defender joined Al Ahly on a three-and-a-half-year contract from Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca, marking a significant move in his career.
The enterprising left-back replaces Tunisian Ali Maaloul, who departed the record Champions League holders last summer.
Belamri becomes Al Ahly’s fourth signing of the current winter transfer window, following right-back Ahmed Eid from Al Masry, defender Amr El Gazzar from National Bank of Egypt, and striker Marwan Osman on loan from Ceramica Cleopatra.
However, the defender has expressed his excitement, praising the warm reception he received from club officials, the coaching staff, and his teammates, as well as the remarkable fan support since the move.
Belamri pointed out that playing for Al Ahly places a great responsibility on any player, given the size of the fan base and their constant expectations for victories. He affirmed that he is accustomed to dealing with fan pressure from his previous experience with Raja Casablanca.
He praised the role played by his compatriot, Achraf Bencharki, in facilitating his integration into the team, highlighting the strong bonds between Al Ahly players, which helps newcomers adapt quickly to the team’s atmosphere.
Belamri also revealed that he watched Al Ahly’s matches in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, especially the match against Porto, as well as the games against FAR Rabat and JS Kabylie, expressing his admiration for the team’s performance.
He was part of Morocco’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which they hosted and finished as runners-up after losing to Senegal in the final, but he did not play in any matches.
He began his career with Fath Union Sport in 2017 and remained with them until his move to Raja Casablanca in 2023.
The left-back has made five international appearances for the Moroccan national team and was part of the Atlas Lions squad that won the 2024 African Nations Championship. He also won a Moroccan league title and a Throne Cup with Raja Casablanca.
