Shobier rules out Wessam Abu Ali return to Al Ahly and reveals Bezera deal terms

Al Ahly are highly unlikely to re-sign Palestinian forward Wessam Abu Ali during the next winter transfer window, according to former goalkeeper and broadcaster Ahmed Shobier.

Reports had suggested the Egyptian club had begun exploring whether Columbus Crew would consider allowing Abu Ali to leave, but the player’s current coach has made clear that he is regarded as an important part of the club’s future.

“There was talk yesterday that Al Ahly had started discussions, or was sounding out the possibility of Wessam Abu Ali returning, and whether Columbus Crew would agree to his departure,” Shobier said in radio comments on Monday.

“I said I hoped it was true because he made a huge difference for Al Ahly. But the Columbus Crew coach said he was the future of the club and there was no chance of him leaving. He also said Abu Ali’s injury had affected the team and that he would return soon.”

Shobier added that Al Ahly should act immediately if even a small opportunity arose, although he acknowledged that a return was almost impossible.

“If there is even half a chance of him coming back to Al Ahly, the club should not hesitate,” he said. “The possibility of his return is almost non-existent, but it is important to dream and think about it.”

Al Ahly face Abu Qir Fertilizers in the Egyptian Premier League on Tuesday. They are third in the table with 10 points, level on goal difference with second-placed Zamalek and two points behind leaders Pyramids.

Zamalek agree Bezera departure

Shobier also discussed Zamalek’s decision to approve Bezera’s move to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, saying the club had little choice because of the player’s preference and its financial situation.

“The final episode of the Bezera saga has arrived,” he said. “Zamalek had no option but to agree to his departure for several reasons. There was no way forward with him. The offer from Shabab Al Ahli Dubai had convinced him, and he was not going to change his mind.”

“Zamalek are suffering from a very serious financial crisis and urgently need the money. The players are owed payments and want their money.”

Shobier said the proposed agreement would provide Zamalek with $3m in cash on signing, followed by $1m in February and another $1m in August. The deal also includes $1m in bonuses and incentives, taking the club’s stated total to $6m.

A 10% agent’s commission, worth almost $600,000, was removed from the agreement, while a 5% entitlement and a league title bonus of about $20,000 were also waived by the player. Zamalek therefore believes the overall value to the club is close to $7m.

Shobier initially understood that Zamalek would not retain a percentage of any future sale. He later said the club had insisted, during the final stages of negotiations, on including a clause entitling it to 20% of the value of any future transfer.