File Photo: Al Rayyan Forward Achraf Bencharki in action. Photo courtesy of Achraf Bencharki Instagram.
The 30-year-old winger’s contract with Al-Rayyan was terminated by mutual consent after he reportedly paid his release clause, paving the way for the Moroccan international to join the Egyptian champions on a free transfer.
Bencharki arrived in Cairo on Wednesday morning to undergo medical examinations and finalize the deal.
However, Ahly announced that the former Zamalek star has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract reportedly worth $1.3 million per season.
Bencharki joined Al-Rayyan in July 2023 from UAE’s Al-Jazira, where he netted 18 goals and 12 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions for the Qatari side.
The Moroccan forward rose to prominence during his tenure with Ahly’s arch-rivals, Zamalek, whom he joined in 2019.
During his four-year spell with Zamalek, he scored 41 goals and contributed 28 assists in 109 appearances. He helped the club clinch two Egyptian Premier League titles, two Egypt Cups, one Super Cup, and a CAF Super Cup.
Egyptian Premier League reigning champions Ahly have been active in the current winter transfer window, reinforcing their squad with three key acquisitions of defender Mostafa El-Esh from ZED FC, striker Nejc Gradišar from Hungary’s Fehérvár FC, and winger Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan from Turkish side Trabzonspor.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: