Al Ahly's Palestinian forward #09 Wessam Abou Ali scores the opening goal past FC Porto's Portuguese defender #97 Ze Pedro during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group A football match between Portugal's Porto FC and Egypt's Al-Ahly at the MetLife stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly Facebook page.
Following their elimination from the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, reports in Egyptian media suggested several key players might leave ahead of the new season.
“We have received several offers for Wessam Abou over the past few days. Following the meeting with the club's president Mahmoud El Khatib, the coach Jose Riveiro and myself we have decided not let go Abou Ali. The team needs his contributions in the coming period,” sporting director Mohamed Youssef told the club's website on Monday.
Since joining the team in January 2024, the 26-year old striker has established himself as a key player in Ahly's squad. He proved his goalscoring prowess scoring 18 goals in 19 matches to claim the Egyptian Premier League golden boot during his maiden season. His outgoing campaign was mered by injuries but he managed to score 10 goals in 16 games in the league to finish just behind his teammate Emam Ashour who won the award this season.
He made a huge impact during the Club World Cup scoring a perfect hat-trick against Porto (4-4) in Ahly's final game.
Media reports suggested that Ahly may let him go for a price tag not less than $10 million.
However, Ahly’s management, following Monday's meeting, dismissed these claims, announcing plans to keep him and extend the stay of several players.
“It’s not true that El-Shahat and Afsha will leave the team. They have been vital to our recent success, and we expect even more from them next season,” Youssef said.
Youssef also revealed plans to extend contracts for key players, including Emam Ashour, who sustained a serious shoulder injury in the goalless draw against Inter Miami in the first game of the Club World Cup.
Squad reshaping ahead of new season
Ahead of the Club World Cup, Ahly parted ways with five players last May, including defender Rami Rabia, Tunisian left-back Ali Maaloul, midfielder Amr El Sulaya, Akram Tawfik, and goalkeeper Hamza Alaa.
In contrast, the club has reinforced their squad with new signings.
Winger Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan has joined from Trabzonspor after a loan spell at Qatari side Al-Rayyan. Winger Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed also joined after finishing his deal with Zamalek.
The club also secured midfielder Hamdy Fathy on loan from Al-Wakrah. Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng rejoined the team after a season-long loan at Saudi side Al Kholood.
Additionally, goalkeeper Mohamed Seha signed a four-year contract from Arab Contractors, Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane also joined the squad ahead of the Club World Cup.
The club is in the market to strengthen its shaky backline ahead of the start of the new season.
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