Al Ahly are pursuing an additional centre-forward ahead of the new season after new head coach Hussein Ammouta asked the club to strengthen its attacking options.
The Egyptian club have identified Moroccan forward Sofiane Benjedida and Algerian strikers Ahmed Nadir Ben Bouali and Moncef Bekar among the players under consideration.
Al Ahly have already signed Aktai Abdullah from Enppi, but Ammouta is believed to want one or two more foreign forwards before the team begin their planned training camp in Europe.
The club are also assessing the future of Mohamed Sherif, whose performances have not met the technical staff’s expectations since his return before last season.
A decision on Sherif is expected within a week, while Al Ahly’s football department continues negotiations with several possible targets.
Ammouta seeks more attacking depth
Al Ahly returned to training at Mokhtar El-Tetsh Stadium two days ago as preparations began for the new campaign.
The squad held one session on its first day back before completing two further training sessions across the following two days.
The club appointed Ammouta on a two-year contract after ending the agreement of former coach Jess Torup and paying the compensation clause required to complete his departure.
The Moroccan coach has now begun shaping his squad, with the centre-forward position emerging as a priority.
Al Ahly’s need for attacking reinforcements has increased following the end of the loan spells of Yelsin Kamwish and Marwan Othman. Neither player will remain with the club under a renewed agreement.
The club have also not been fully satisfied with Sherif’s contribution, creating the possibility of further changes in the forward line.
Three overseas targets under consideration
Benjedida, who plays for Maghreb Fez, is among the names being considered by Al Ahly.
Ammouta’s representative has reportedly contacted Maghreb Fez officials in an attempt to reduce the fee required for the Moroccan player after Benjedida indicated his willingness to move.
Al Ahly are also in discussions over Bekar, who plays for Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
The club have opened negotiations with the Croatian side as they seek to establish the financial terms of a potential transfer.
Another option is Ben Bouali, the Algerian striker at Hungarian club Győr.
All three players are being assessed as Al Ahly seek a forward capable of adding depth and competition in the central attacking role.
The club’s football management have made enquiries and held talks with four possible candidates, although only three names have been identified.
Transfer fees remain central issue
Al Ahly’s progress in the negotiations will depend largely on whether they can reduce the fees being requested by the selling clubs.
The club are attempting to lower the financial demands for Benjedida, Bekar and Ben Bouali before making a final decision.
Should an agreement be reached with one of the clubs, Al Ahly intend to complete the signing quickly.
The urgency is linked to the team’s upcoming European training camp, with Ammouta keen to have his new attackers available early enough to integrate into his tactical plans.
The club’s recruitment strategy reflects a wider effort to reshape the squad after the change in manager.
Ammouta’s arrival has created a new focus on the centre-forward role, and Al Ahly are now working to ensure they enter the season with greater attacking depth.
Whether the final choice comes from Morocco, Croatia or Hungary, the club’s next striker is expected to be decided by a combination of player suitability and the ability to agree an acceptable transfer fee.
