Villarreal interested in Al Ahly midfielder Imam Ashour, says Sky

Villarreal are interested in signing Al Ahly and Egypt midfielder Imam Ashour, according to Sky journalist Luca Bendoni.

Ashour is due to travel with Al Ahly to Spain for a pre-season training camp as the club prepares for the new season. Bendoni wrote on the social media platform X: “Villarreal are interested in Imam Ashour, the Al Ahly midfielder who scored two goals for Egypt at the World Cup.”

The 26-year-old remains under contract with Al Ahly until the summer of 2028, but the Egyptian club have recently offered him an improved deal in an attempt to extend his stay.

According to FilGoal.com, Al Ahly’s proposal would be worth 35m Egyptian pounds per season. Ashour would be placed in the club’s highest salary category, the same level as the offer made to goalkeeper Mustafa Shobeir and defender Mohamed Hany.

There has also been interest in the midfielder from other clubs. FilGoal.com previously reported that Al Ahly rejected an offer from Turkish side Konyaspor for Ashour because the financial package was considered insufficient.

Saudi reports have also linked him with Al-Ittihad, while Scottish club Celtic have previously been reported to be monitoring the Egypt international.

Ashour joined Al Ahly in the summer of 2023 from Danish club FC Midtjylland. He had previously played for Ghazl El Mahalla and Zamalek before moving abroad.

Since joining Al Ahly, Ashour has made 105 appearances in all competitions, scoring 32 goals and providing 25 assists. During that time, he has won the Egyptian Premier League twice, the Egypt Cup, the Egyptian Super Cup twice, three continental cups, the CAF Champions League and a bronze medal at the Club World Cup.

His scoring record for Egypt received a major boost at the 2026 World Cup. Ashour scored twice in the tournament, opening his international account with a powerful strike against Belgium before heading home against Australia.

Those goals were the first he had scored for the national team. Ashour has made 34 appearances for Egypt.

The midfielder’s form at both club and international level has increased interest in his future, with Villarreal now reported to be among the clubs considering a move. However, Al Ahly’s proposed new contract would place him among the club’s best-paid players and reflects his importance to the squad.

Ashour is expected to join Al Ahly’s preparations in Spain while the club continues discussions over his contract.