Egyptian champions Al Ahly SC have reportedly decided to keep Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki at the club despite growing transfer interest from teams in the Gulf region ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 31-year-old attacker had attracted attention from clubs in Qatar and other Gulf leagues after producing an impressive run of performances during the closing stages of the Egyptian Premier League season.
Bencharki played a significant role in several important matches, including fixtures against fierce rivals Zamalek SC, where his performances and goals helped restore confidence in his abilities after a difficult first half of the campaign.
According to reports, Al Ahly officials have now abandoned earlier discussions about the possibility of allowing the Moroccan international to leave the club. The change in position reportedly followed internal evaluations regarding the reasons behind the player’s inconsistent performances earlier in the season.
Club management are understood to believe that Bencharki’s struggles were not solely linked to a decline in form or technical issues. Instead, officials reportedly concluded that former coach Jess Thorup did not fully utilise the player’s strengths.
Reports suggest the Danish tactician often deployed Bencharki in unfamiliar tactical roles or left him out of the starting line-up during important matches, limiting his overall impact on the team.
As a result, Al Ahly’s hierarchy is now convinced the experienced winger still has an important role to play within the squad moving forward. Club officials reportedly believe Bencharki retains the creativity, intelligence and attacking quality necessary to influence major matches and contribute significantly next season.
Despite speculation linking the Moroccan with lucrative opportunities abroad, no formal offers have yet been submitted to Al Ahly by interested clubs.
Bencharki remains under contract with the Cairo-based side until the summer of 2027, placing Al Ahly in a strong position as they prepare for another demanding season involving both domestic and continental competitions.
The club’s coaching staff are also expected to work closely with the player during pre-season preparations in an effort to help him rediscover his best and maintain consistency throughout the campaign.
Al Ahly are preparing for a crucial period of transition and squad planning, with management keen to retain experienced players capable of delivering under pressure. Bencharki’s experience in African football and his familiarity with Egyptian football are viewed internally as valuable assets for the team.
The latest development is also likely to be welcomed by sections of the club’s supporters, many of whom continued to support the former Zamalek winger despite criticism over his earlier performances.
His recent resurgence has helped strengthen belief within the club that he can still become one of the team’s key attacking figures in the seasons ahead.
With transfer speculation continuing to grow around several senior players across African football, Al Ahly’s decision to keep Bencharki signals the club’s intention to preserve stability and experience as they aim to remain competitive on every front next season.
