Al Ahly Benghazi have rejected a major offer from Libyan rivals Al-Ittihad for Tunisian international striker Firas Chaouat, despite the interest being driven by experienced coach Fawzi Benzarti.
Al-Ittihad have made Chaouat one of their principal targets as Benzarti oversees an ambitious rebuilding project at the club. The Tunisian coach is keen to work with the striker again after the pair enjoyed a successful spell together at Club Africain last season.
Chaouat scored 15 goals under Benzarti’s leadership, helping Club Africain secure the Tunisian league title.
His performances subsequently attracted the attention of Al Ahly Benghazi, who completed a deal to sign the striker after paying a $600,000 penalty clause. Chaouat agreed to a two-season contract with the Libyan club.
That move has not stopped Al-Ittihad from attempting to bring him back under Benzarti’s management.
According to informed sources cited by Winwin, Al-Ittihad’s management presented Al Ahly Benghazi with a substantial financial proposal for the Tunisian forward.
The offer was made following Benzarti’s recommendation, with the coach reportedly eager to reunite with the striker who played a key role in Club Africain’s title-winning campaign.
However, Al Ahly Benghazi have decided against selling Chaouat.
The club’s management has shown a strong desire to retain the player and has rejected the approach from Al-Ittihad. Chaouat is also expected to join Al Ahly Benghazi’s preparations, with the team’s training camp currently taking place in Cairo ahead of the new season.
Benzarti leads Al-Ittihad rebuild
The pursuit of Chaouat is part of a much larger recruitment programme at Al-Ittihad, with Benzarti given significant backing to reshape the squad.
The Libyan club have been targeting several prominent players from the Tunisian league as they attempt to assemble a squad capable of challenging for major honours.
Among the arrivals are Nigerian player Onishi Ogbelo and Burkinabe Jacques Diarra from Esperance, while defender Hamza Ben Abda has joined from Club Africain.
Al-Ittihad have also moved for promising playmaker Mehdi Gannouni from US Monastir.
The club’s recruitment drive has extended beyond the Tunisian market, with Moroccan star Sofiane Boufal arriving in what has been described as a major public signing.
The scale of the project reflects the club’s determination to build a stronger squad under Benzarti.
Al-Ittihad have also strengthened their domestic contingent, bringing in international Ali Youssef from Nantes in France.
Winger Mohamed Al-Tabbal has arrived from Al-Suwaihli, while Hamza Al-Maqsi has joined from Al-Olympi Club.
The combination of established international players, foreign recruits and domestic talent is intended to give Benzarti the resources required to mount a serious challenge.
Al-Ittihad target end to title drought
Al-Ittihad’s recruitment strategy is ultimately focused on ending a lengthy wait for the Libyan league championship.
The club is the most decorated in Libya in terms of domestic titles, with 18 championships to its name.
Despite that record, Al-Ittihad have gone five years without adding the Libyan league title to their trophy cabinet.
The current project is therefore designed to change that situation and restore the club to the top of Libyan football.
Chaouat was identified as another important piece of that plan because of his recent goalscoring record and his previous relationship with Benzarti.
However, Al Ahly Benghazi’s decision means Al-Ittihad’s pursuit of the Tunisian forward has hit a significant obstacle.
For now, Chaouat remains an Al Ahly Benghazi player after the club refused to accept the approach for his services.
The striker is expected to join his new team’s camp in Cairo as preparations continue for the coming season.
While Benzarti has already helped shape a significantly strengthened Al-Ittihad squad, his attempt to reunite with Chaouat appears to have been unsuccessful, at least for the moment.
Al Ahly Benghazi’s firm stance leaves the Tunisian striker with the opportunity to begin the next chapter of his career with the club that secured his services through the $600,000 clause.
