Egyptian giants Ahly have signed former Ismaily midfielder Amr El-Sulaya on a free transfer, the club announced on Saturday.

The 25-year-old midfielder has just parted ways with UAE side Al-Shaab on Thursday, after a short six-month spell, to become eligible to play for Ahly.

"It's finally settled, El-Sulaya is an Ahly player. We were just waiting for him to end his contract with Al-Shaab," Ahly football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz said in a television interview.

According to local media, El-Sulaya signed a four-and-half year contract ending June 2020.

Ahly have been trying to add potential to their midfield that has been struggling with injuries throughout the season.

A clairvoyant playmaker and neat passer with good shooting attributes, El-Sulaya is expected to be a valuable addition to Hossam Ghaly and Hossam Ashour in central midfield.

The eight-time African Champions have been conducting negotiations to sign him over the summer but his former club Ismaily repeatedly turned down their bids to avoid the anger of their fans who are known for their stiff rivalry with the Cairo giants.

The talented midfielder moved last summer to the UAE League but failed to make an impact during his brief spell and returned to Egypt to join the Red Devils.

Ahly are seeking to boost their chances of winning silverware after finishing last season without any major trophy for the first time since 2004.

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