Al Ahly SC have dismissed reports linking the club with a move for Portuguese coach Jose Gomes, insisting that no formal negotiations have taken place despite growing speculation over a managerial change next season.
Recent media reports suggested that discussions had been held in recent hours between the Cairo-based club and Gomes, who currently manages Al-Fateh SC. However, a senior source within Al Ahly’s football administration has rejected those claims, stating categorically that neither the coach nor his representatives have been contacted.
Club clarifies position amid speculation
According to the source, the situation regarding current head coach Jess Torop remains unresolved. Despite holding a contract that extends for two additional seasons beyond the current campaign, doubts persist over his long-term future at the club.
“The situation remains pending regarding the Danish technical director of the Red team, Jess Torop, especially since he has a contract that extends for two more seasons in addition to the current season.”
The same source indicated that influential figures within the club hierarchy are already preparing for a potential transition. He explained: “It is no secret that Sayed Abdel Hafeez, a member of the board of directors, and Yassin Mansour, the club’s vice president, are fully convinced that Torop will not have a role next season, and he will leave. An agreement will be reached regarding the value of the penalty clause in his contract at the end of the current season. The aforementioned duo are the decision-makers, especially after they were authorized by the club’s board of directors to supervise the football sector.”
Bruno Lage linked but approach unsuccessful
Attention has also turned to another Portuguese coach, Bruno Lage, who previously managed Benfica. The source revealed that Lage is among the prominent names on Al Ahly’s shortlist and is viewed favourably by key decision-makers, particularly vice-president Yassin Mansour.
Contact between the club and Lage is not entirely new. Mansour is said to have reached out to the coach on more than one occasion prior to the appointment of Torop. A further attempt was reportedly made through an intermediary during Ramadan, but the approach was unsuccessful, with Lage opting to remain in European football.
Gomes admired but no official move made
Although Al Ahly have denied direct negotiations with Gomes, the coach remains highly regarded within the club’s internal discussions. The source noted that his familiarity with Egyptian football, along with the historical success of Portuguese coaches at the club, make him an attractive candidate.
“Al-Ahly did not contact Gomez in any way, but what happened was that one of the intermediaries spoke with the Portuguese coach about him being in the Red Castle’s plans, and he should take his time before taking his next step.”
This distinction suggests that while Gomes is under consideration, any communication so far has been informal and not initiated directly by the club.
Decision expected as season progresses
As the current campaign unfolds, Al Ahly’s leadership appears to be weighing its options carefully, balancing contractual obligations with ambitions for future success. The uncertainty surrounding Torop’s position, combined with ongoing evaluations of potential successors, indicates that a final decision may hinge on both performance outcomes and negotiations over contractual terms.
For now, the club’s official stance remains clear: no formal talks have been held with Jose Gomes, even as his name continues to feature prominently in speculation surrounding the next chapter of Al Ahly’s managerial leadership.
