Al Ahly SC have finalised the initial framework of their summer transfer strategy as the club seeks to recover from a disappointing campaign and return to competing for major domestic and continental honours.
According to a source speaking exclusively to WinWin, the Egyptian club has already identified the key areas requiring reinforcement ahead of next season, with the football department also preparing broader structural changes within the organisation.
The rebuilding process comes after a season in which Al Ahly secured only the Egyptian Super Cup for Champions, which was played in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The Cairo-based side failed to win four other competitions, losing out in the Egyptian Capital Cup, the Egyptian Cup, the African Champions League and the Egyptian League.
The source said the current priority is the restructuring of the football department, with official announcements regarding those changes expected within hours.
A second major issue concerns the future of current head coach Jess Thorup, with the club reportedly attempting to negotiate the termination of his contract before appointing another foreign manager.
According to the source, the identity of the new coach could influence some of the club’s transfer decisions, particularly regarding defensive reinforcements.
“Al-Ahly has set a preliminary plan to support the team’s ranks in the summer transfers, which consists of the defensive and attacking midfield positions, in addition to the possibility of supporting the center-back and the right-back, and the latter will be based on the vision of the new foreign technical director.”
The club has also decided to recall several players currently out on loan as part of preparations for next season.
The source confirmed that Ahmed Khaled Kabaka, Mohamed Abdullah and Karim El Debis will all return to Al Ahly after completing their loan spells.
Meanwhile, decisions regarding the futures of Mohamed Magdy Afsha and Ahmed Reda will be taken after the end of their respective loans with Al Ittihad Alexandria Club and National Bank of Egypt SC.
At domestic level, Al Ahly’s recruitment plans currently include interest in two players from ENPPI SC.
The source said that Aktai Abdullah and Ali Mahmoud are among the names under serious consideration, although no formal negotiations have yet taken place.
Other players are also being monitored by the club’s football management, including Badr Moussa of Petrojet SC and Khaled Awad of Tala’ea El Gaish SC.
The source added that Al Ahly currently has no plans to strengthen the goalkeeping department unless Mostafa Shobeir leaves the club for a professional opportunity abroad, which was described as unlikely because of the club’s strong attachment to the goalkeeper.
Al Ahly presently has four senior goalkeepers in the squad: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Hamza Alaa and Mohamed Siha.
The source also noted that youth goalkeeper Hazem Gamal is expected to leave following the cancellation of the Republic Championship, while Mostafa Makhlouf is due to return from his loan at Modern Sport FC.
On the international front, Al Ahly’s main focus is expected to centre on signing two foreign strikers, including one Palestinian player, alongside another foreign defensive midfielder.
The club’s transfer planning has reportedly been influenced by the Football Association’s decision prohibiting the signing of a foreign player under the age limit.
Among the overseas names being monitored are Moroccan forward Sofiane Benjdida and Palestinian player Asad Hamlawi.
With major administrative and technical decisions still pending, Al Ahly now appears to be entering one of its most significant rebuilding phases in recent seasons as the club attempts to restore its dominance in Egyptian and African football.
