Al Ahly have completed the transfer of striker Mohamed Sherif to Iraqi club Al-Shorta on a season-long loan, as the Egyptian side continues to reshape its squad ahead of the new campaign.
The agreement between the two clubs was finalised on Wednesday after negotiations had taken place over the past few weeks.
Sherif is expected to travel to Iraq within hours to undergo a medical examination before his move is formally announced by Al-Shorta.
The transfer follows an earlier report by WinWin that Al Ahly had agreed to send the forward to the Iraqi club, with only contractual details still to be settled at the time.
An Al-Ahly source said in private statements that all procedures related to the player’s loan were completed on Wednesday, and that he will leave for Iraq within hours to undergo a medical examination and for the deal to be officially announced.
The move gives Sherif an opportunity to increase his playing time and rediscover the form he has shown previously.
The striker is also looking ahead to a return to Al Ahly, where he remains under contract for another four years.
His season in Iraq will therefore be viewed as an opportunity to regain his confidence, establish regular involvement and return to the Egyptian club in stronger form.
The loan is part of a wider series of changes being made to the Al Ahly squad during the current transfer window.
The Egyptian giants have already overseen several departures, including that of Tunisia international Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan, who joined Al-Shamal in Qatar.
The club also released Omar Kamal Abdelwahed, while Mohamed Shukri and Mustafa Al Ash were sold to Al Masry of Port Said.
Another Al Ahly player, Mohamed Siha, has joined Al Masry on loan for one season, while Nits Gradishar has been sent to Ceramica Cleopatra on a temporary deal.
The club’s management is continuing to assess the futures of other members of the squad.
Attempts are currently being made to find a solution for Samir Mohamed, either by arranging a transfer or reaching an agreement to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
At the same time, Al Ahly have been active in adding new players.
The club have signed Aktai Abdullah and Ali Mahmoud from Enppi, while Algerian player Moncef has arrived from Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb. Moroccan forward Soufiane Benjedida has also joined from Maghreb Fez.
The changes come as Al Ahly prepare for the new season under coach Hussein Ammouta.
The first-team squad is currently in Spain for a training camp that will run until 20 August.
As part of their preparations, Al Ahly are scheduled to face Spanish side Badalona on Wednesday evening at the CEF Bosc de Tosca stadium.
The friendly will provide Ammouta and his coaching staff with an opportunity to assess a large number of players and evaluate their physical and technical condition.
The coaching staff also intends to use the match to put into practice tactical approaches that have been developed during the training camp.
The fixture is expected to be particularly useful in building understanding between members of the squad, with Al Ahly seeking to reach the required level of cohesion before competitive matches begin.
The Spanish camp will culminate in a major fixture against Barcelona on 19 August.
Al Ahly are scheduled to meet the Spanish giants at Spotify Camp Nou in the Joan Gamper Trophy, giving Ammouta’s team a high-profile test before the start of the new season.
With Sherif’s loan now completed, Al Ahly can continue concentrating on their preparations while their management works on further changes to the squad.
The striker’s departure is another indication of the club’s willingness to reshape its playing group, while his return remains a possibility after his season-long spell in Iraq.
For Sherif, the move represents a chance to secure more regular football and rebuild his form. For Al Ahly, it is another step in a broader restructuring process aimed at preparing the squad for the challenges of the coming campaign.
