Al-Ahly and midfielder Imam Ashour are understood to have moved closer to an agreement over an improved contract that could keep the Egypt international at the club until 2030.
The two parties have reportedly reached a broad understanding over extending and restructuring Ashour’s existing agreement, which currently has two seasons remaining.
A source close to the negotiations said developments in recent hours have increased the possibility of a deal being completed soon, with the new contracts expected to be signed in the coming days.
The proposed agreement would provide Al-Ahly with greater certainty over the midfielder’s future while securing the club’s commitment to a player regarded as an important part of the team’s plans.
The negotiations have progressed after Al-Ahly offered Ashour an extension to his current contract.
The source said: ” Imam’s current contract is for two seasons, but the club’s management wants to resolve the matter early, especially given the technical staff’s insistence on keeping the player and considering him one of the essential and influential elements within the team, in addition to the management’s desire to provide a state of stability regarding his future during the coming period.”
Under the proposed terms, Ashour would receive an annual salary of £25m, alongside additional bonuses worth up to £10m linked to his appearances for the team and the trophies Al-Ahly win during the contract period.
The source explained: “Al-Ahly offered Imam Ashour a new contract under which he would receive 25 million pounds annually, in addition to 10 million pounds in bonuses related to his participation with the team and the championships that Al-Ahly achieves during the contract period.”
The midfielder could also benefit significantly from commercial opportunities away from his club salary.
The source added: “The player has advertising and media offers that may exceed £20 million annually, which gives him additional income beyond the financial compensation he receives from the club.”
Al-Ahly reject guaranteed advertising payment
Despite the progress in negotiations, there remains an important point on which the club has refused to compromise.
Al-Ahly’s management rejected a proposal for Ashour’s contract to contain a clause guaranteeing him a minimum amount of money from advertising.
Instead, the club wants commercial opportunities to continue being managed through its football company.
The system would mean that players receive advertising opportunities and media programmes based on several factors, including their performances, commitment and overall marketing value.
Al-Ahly’s football administration believes such an arrangement is fairer because it allows players who have the biggest impact and maintain consistent performances to benefit from commercial opportunities.
It would also prevent the club from taking on fixed financial commitments relating to advertising payments.
The issue is therefore separate from Ashour’s proposed improvement in his football contract, with the club maintaining its position over how commercial income should be distributed among its players.
Al-Ahly dismiss absence rumours
The club has also moved to reject claims surrounding Ashour’s absence from Al-Ahly’s opening Egyptian Premier League fixture against Sharqia Enppi.
Reports had suggested that the midfielder deliberately stayed away or avoided playing in the match.
Al-Ahly’s football administration denied those claims and said his omission was based on his physical and technical condition.
The club said Ashour had not yet reached full readiness to compete after spending a period away from matches.
His return is therefore expected to be managed carefully rather than accelerated.
The football department stressed that decisions over his involvement will be taken according to the technical staff’s assessment of his condition and his readiness to play.
Al-Ahly want to gradually build Ashour’s fitness before giving him a full workload, with the aim of reducing the risk of physical problems or another setback.
The approach means the midfielder’s absence from the opening match should not be interpreted as a dispute with the club, according to the administration.
Instead, his participation will depend on when the coaching staff believes he is ready to return fully.
For Al-Ahly, the progress in contract negotiations represents an opportunity to secure the future of a player the technical staff considers central to the team’s plans.
If the agreement is completed as expected, Ashour could remain at the Red Castle until 2030, while the club will continue to manage his return to competitive action cautiously.
