REVEALED: Why Bilal Attia’s proposed loan move to Racing Santander collapsed

The transfer of Al-Ahly’s promising young talent Bilal Attia to Spain’s Racing Santander has collapsed, sources have revealed, shedding light on the frustrating breakdown of negotiations.

Earlier reports had suggested that the Egyptian giants had successfully reached an agreement for Attia to join Racing Santander on a loan deal, with the move expected to give the midfielder valuable experience in European football.

Al-Ahly reportedly agreed on the loan terms, including a fee of $250,000 and a clause granting a percentage of any future resale, and had sent a draft of the contract to the Spanish side for finalisation.

However, according to a source close to the negotiations, the deal faltered not because of disagreements over financial terms but due to procedural delays.

“Al-Ahly completed their part and waited for Racing Santander to prepare and return the finalised contracts,” the source explained.

“Unfortunately, the paperwork never arrived before the close of the transfer window, effectively ending the possibility of the move this season.”

This development is a setback for Attia, who had been preparing for a new chapter in his career in Europe.

It also highlights the often-complex nature of international transfers, where even agreements on financial and contractual terms can be derailed by administrative timing and coordination between clubs.

With the registration window now closed, Bilal Attia remains at Al-Ahly, where he will continue to compete for a spot in the first team while the club and player reassess potential opportunities abroad in the future.