National Bank have confirmed they are not in negotiations to sign Al Ahly players Ahmed Reda and Mohamed Shukri during the current summer transfer window, with club chairman Major General Ashraf Nassar saying both players are no longer part of the club’s recruitment plans.
Speaking to winwin, Nassar explained that while National Bank had previously explored the possibility of retaining Ahmed Reda following his loan spell last season, discussions never progressed beyond an initial enquiry and the matter has since been closed.
The clarification comes amid speculation linking the Egyptian Premier League side with moves for both players during the summer transfer period.
Ahmed Reda spent the second half of last season on loan at National Bank after joining the club in January as part of the deal that saw defender Omar Al-Jazzar move to Al Ahly.
Following the conclusion of the campaign, National Bank considered keeping the midfielder on a permanent basis after his six-month spell with the club. However, Nassar said Al Ahly decided to retain the player, bringing any potential move to an end before formal negotiations could begin.
“We did not reach the stage of negotiation, but it was just an inquiry about the situation, and whether there was a desire or not, and we closed the file completely after we supported this center with Ali Hamdi from Tala’ea El-Gaish, Rashad El-Metwally, a player from Modern Sport, Mohamed Reda, a player from Al-Ahly Youth Team, and Moudi Nasser, a former Enppi player, all of whom are free transfer deals.”
According to the chairman, the club’s recruitment strategy has since changed after strengthening the squad with several additions in the same position.
Those signings include Ali Hamdi from Tala’ea El-Gaish, Rashad El-Metwally from Modern Sport, Mohamed Reda from Al Ahly’s youth team and former Enppi player Moudi Nasser, with all four joining on free transfers.
Nassar also ruled out any move for left-back Mohamed Shukri, saying National Bank already have sufficient options in that area of the squad.
He explained: “At left-back, we have Ghanaian Alpha Boubacar Keita and Ahmed Meteb, so Mohamed Shoukry is not in our plans.”
The chairman added that there was no issue in the relationship between National Bank and Al Ahly, stressing that dealings between the clubs remain positive despite the lack of transfer activity this summer.
He said the relationship between National Bank and Al Ahly is excellent and added that the same applies to the club’s dealings with other teams. According to Nassar, National Bank aim to establish themselves as a strong force while operating within the principles of fair competition.
The comments effectively end speculation surrounding possible moves for the two Al Ahly players, with National Bank indicating they are satisfied with the reinforcements already brought in ahead of the new season.
The club’s transfer policy has focused on adding depth through free transfers, reducing the need to pursue players already under contract elsewhere.
National Bank concluded the previous Egyptian Premier League campaign in third place in the relegation group standings, finishing the season with 48 points.
With preparations continuing for the upcoming campaign, the club now appear focused on integrating their new arrivals rather than pursuing further additions from Al Ahly, having publicly confirmed that neither Ahmed Reda nor Mohamed Shukri features in their current transfer plans.
