Ahly announced on Tuesday the signing of Ismaily's defender Mahmoud Metwalli on a five-year contract, according to Ahly's official website.

"The deal costed Ahly 15 million Egyptian pounds, 10 million has been paid already, and 5 million will be in  installments," Ahly Marketing and Football Contracts Director Amir Tawfik told Radio Hits on Tuesday.

"We've been watching Metwalli for a while now. He's not only technically good, he also has great character," He added.

The 26-year old defender's contract with Ismaily was supposed to terminate by the end of next season. Metwalli refused to renew his contract of EGP 4.5 million per season earlier this year with the coastal club. Metwalli participated with Ismaily in 29 games last season, in all its competitions, scoring 6 goals.

"There'll be an upcoming cooperation between Ahly and Ismaily concerning the exchange deals. We want to build a destinguish relationship with Ismaily's fans," said Tawfik.

Metwalli's deal is the third for Ahly in the current transfer market after the renewing of Ramadan Sobhi's loan and signing the Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng from  MC Algier.

The Egyptian Premier League champion Ahly have been linked to rumors about signing Pyramids' defender Ali Gabr and forward Mohamed 'Afsha' Magdy.

"There's nothing to be said about Afsha. Ali Gabr is an outstanding player and we respect him, but we signed Metwalli and we wish him luck with Ahly," Tawfik revealed.

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