Al Ahly have refused to include a release clause in Mostafa Shobeir’s proposed new contract, leaving the goalkeeper’s future at the Egyptian club uncertain.
The club had reached an agreement with Shobeir over the terms of a contract extension, but the deal has not been signed after the player, through his English agent, requested a clause allowing him to leave after his first season.
Al Ahly have rejected that request and have made clear that they will not submit an alternative offer to the goalkeeper.
The club are now waiting for Shobeir to decide whether he is prepared to renew his contract without the proposed clause.
An Al Ahly source told the WinWin platform that the two sides had already reached agreement on the renewal and that the paperwork was expected to be completed several days ago.
However, negotiations changed after Shobeir’s representative asked for the release provision to be added to the agreement.
“There was an agreement with the player until he requested, through his English agent, to include a penalty clause in his contract that would give him the right to leave after the first season, which is something that the officials of the Red Castle refuse.”
The disagreement has prevented the final signing, despite the club’s previous belief that the renewal was effectively settled.
The source said Al Ahly’s position was based on a policy of avoiding release clauses in players’ contracts. The club also believes its record shows that it does not prevent players from pursuing professional opportunities when those moves are considered compatible with the team’s interests.
“Al-Ahly will not put a penalty clause in any player’s contract, and there are many indications that Al-Ahly does not stand in the way of its players’ professional opportunities unless it conflicts with the team’s interest. The departure of Hamza Abdel Karim, Bilal Attia, Mohamed Haitham Abdel Azim, and Ziad Ayoub is sufficient proof.”
With no agreement on the release clause, Al Ahly have decided not to improve their existing offer. Instead, the club will wait for Shobeir to communicate his final position during the coming period.
The situation is part of a broader effort by Al Ahly to resolve outstanding contract matters and create greater stability within the squad.
The Egyptian giants have already extended the contracts of several important players. Imam Ashour and Marwan Attia have signed new agreements, while young players Karim El-Debis and Omar Sayed Moawad have also had their contracts extended.
The club’s push to settle the futures of its players comes after a disappointing campaign in which Al Ahly failed to win any of the major competitions they entered. Their only trophy last season was the local Super Cup.
The club are therefore seeking greater stability as they attempt to return to winning ways and compete strongly for silverware.
Shobeir’s situation, however, remains unresolved.
The source also provided updates on the futures of two other Al Ahly players, Mohamed Hany and Yasser Ibrahim.
A resolution regarding Hany is expected shortly, while Ibrahim has already received an offer from the club that includes the financial terms. Al Ahly do not intend to make another proposal and are waiting for the defender to decide whether to accept the existing terms.
“Regarding Mohamed Hany’s future, there will be a breakthrough in his situation within hours. Yasser Ibrahim also has an offer from Al-Ahly with the financial details, and no new offer will be presented to him. We are waiting for his final position.”
Despite the unresolved contract issues, the source said there is confidence between the club and its players.
“There is a state of confidence between Al Ahly and its players, and the most important thing now is to focus on the upcoming matches with the aim of maintaining victories, knowing that the Red team will return to training this evening at Mokhtar El Tetsh Stadium in preparation for facing Smouha, scheduled to be held next Thursday in the third round of the league.”
For Shobeir, the next step now rests largely with him. Al Ahly have made their position clear: the club will not add the requested release clause or improve its offer.
The goalkeeper must therefore decide whether to accept the terms already agreed or leave the renewal unresolved as the club moves forward with preparations for the new season.
