Al Ahly SC has identified the strengthening of the right-back position as one of its main priorities ahead of next season after concerns over the team’s depth in that area during the previous campaign.
The Egyptian champions are seeking to address what club officials regard as a recurring weakness, particularly during periods when first-choice right-back Mohamed Hany was unavailable through injury or suspension.
According to sources inside Al Ahly, the club’s technical staff believes the absence of a reliable alternative significantly affected performances at key moments of the season, prompting the club to intensify efforts to recruit a new player during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Although Al Ahly signed Ahmed Eid from Al Masry SC during the winter transfer period, the defender has reportedly failed to establish himself as a convincing long-term solution within the squad.
As a result, attention has now shifted towards Khaled Awad, the right-back of Tala’ea El Gaish SC, who has emerged as Al Ahly’s preferred option.
A source speaking to the WinWin platform said the club had been closely monitoring the player’s performances over several seasons and viewed him as one of the most consistent right-backs in the Egyptian league.
The source added that Al Ahly currently favours Khaled Awad over Tarek Alaa, a player owned by Pyramids FC who spent last season on loan at ZED FC.
Tarek Alaa’s profile has risen significantly in recent months after receiving a call-up from Egypt coach Hossam Hassan for the country’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Despite the player’s growing reputation, Al Ahly is understood to have concerns regarding the complexity of any potential deal involving him.
Reports indicate that ZED intends to activate the option to buy the player permanently following his successful loan spell, while Pyramids is also interested in retaining him for next season after his strong performances attracted national team recognition.
Those complications have encouraged Al Ahly to focus more heavily on Khaled Awad, whom the club believes represents a more realistic and attainable transfer target.
According to the same source, initial discussions have already taken place between Al Ahly and the player, with Awad reportedly expressing his willingness to join the Cairo club.
However, any agreement remains dependent on successful negotiations between Al Ahly and Tala’ea El Gaish, which still owns the player’s contract.
The club is expected to intensify discussions in the coming days in an effort to finalise the transfer before preparations begin for the new season.
Al Ahly’s determination to reinforce the position reflects the club’s wider ambition to maintain domestic dominance and strengthen the squad for future continental challenges.
The right-back issue became increasingly noticeable during the previous season whenever Mohamed Hany was unavailable, exposing a lack of stability and depth on the flank.
By targeting a player with proven experience in the Egyptian league, Al Ahly appears intent on resolving a problem that the club believes has persisted for too long.
Whether the move for Khaled Awad is completed quickly or develops into a longer negotiation, the club’s priorities for the summer transfer market now appear clear as preparations continue for another demanding campaign.
