Egypt's Ahly sign 'Gaza's Messi' from Palestinian Al-Shugaa
Ahly have completed the signing of Palestinian playmaker Mahmoud Salmi, who is dubbed 'Gaza's Messi', in a three-and-a-half year contract from Palestinian side Ittihad Al-Shugaa without disclosing the financial details.
The Red Devils announced that Salmi will be registered in the team's youth squad.
The 20-year-old forward rose to prominence with Palestinian outfit Al-Shugaa with some fine displays, prompting the Palestinian team's fans to call him 'Gaza's Messi' .
"It is an honour to have any Palestinian player join Ahly," Al-Shugaa board member Naif Al-Hatab told a television programme.
Salmi, who plays with his left leg, gives fine displays as a playmaker as well as a winger.
Ahly are desperate to rescue their season as the lack of squad depth was mainly blamed for a recent poor run that included a defeat by Tunisia's Esperance in the African Champions League final and elimination from the Arab Zayed Champions Cup at the last 16.
This is the third signing for Ahly so far this winter, as the Red Devils landed Maqassa's left-back Mahmoud Wahid and Egyptian international midfielder Mohamed Mahmoud from Wadi Degla.
Ahly are expected to make more January signings, as they seek to win the league for the fourth straight season.
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