Egyptian club Al Ahly SC have denied reports linking them with German coach Roger Schmidt as the club begins preparations for a new managerial era following the departure of Danish coach Jess Torup.
Club officials confirmed that Torup’s contract termination process was completed in the early hours of Thursday morning after both parties reached a settlement agreement to end his tenure at the Cairo side.
An official source at Al-Ahly stated that no negotiations have yet taken place with Roger Schmidt, despite widespread speculation linking the former European coach with the vacancy.
According to the source, financial considerations are among the main reasons preventing any immediate move for Schmidt, whose expected salary demands are considered extremely high.
The source explained that Al-Ahly are currently focusing on discussions with another unnamed coaching candidate as they seek to appoint a new technical director ahead of the upcoming season.
“He added, “There are undoubtedly several candidates, and negotiations are currently underway with a technical director. If these negotiations are unsuccessful, other options will be considered.””
The same source also dismissed rumours surrounding a possible move for Nabil Emad Dunga, the Al Najma SC player, insisting that the midfielder is not part of Al-Ahly’s transfer plans.
Attention within the club has instead been focused on formally concluding Torup’s exit and ensuring all legal and financial procedures are completed without future complications.
The source stressed that the Danish coach, his assistants and his legal representative had signed all documentation confirming the end of their relationship with Al-Ahly.
The agreement also reportedly included arrangements concerning outstanding payments in order to avoid any future dispute being taken to FIFA.
According to details of the settlement, Torup will receive his June salary in full in addition to compensation equivalent to three months’ wages, as specified in the contract’s penalty clause.
The source added that a separate payment of $110,000 would also be made to the company responsible for managing the coach’s contract and representation.
Further compensation has reportedly been included because the coach will not complete the remaining period of his agreement with the club.
The source explained that Torup would receive an additional month’s salary as compensation linked to the early termination of the contract.
Financial arrangements for the payments have also been scheduled in stages.
The source stated that the Danish coach has already received the equivalent of two months’ salary, while his June wage will be paid at its regular date later this month. The value of two additional months is expected to be paid two months from now.
Torup is now preparing to leave Egypt following the completion of the settlement process.
According to the source, the coach is expected to depart Cairo on Friday evening after collecting his personal belongings from Mokhtar El-Tetsh Stadium and the accommodation provided to him by the club.
The managerial change comes during a period of significant restructuring at Al-Ahly after a disappointing campaign in which the club failed to secure several major domestic and continental titles.
With preparations already under way for next season, the focus will now shift toward identifying a new head coach capable of leading the club through what is expected to be a major rebuilding phase.
