Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad are reportedly considering a move for Egypt international Emam Ashour as they assess potential reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window.
The Al-Ahly midfielder has emerged as a possible target for the Jeddah-based side, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Wiam, which reports that the club are weighing up an approach when the winter transfer window opens.
Ashour, 28, previously attracted interest from Al-Ittihad during the summer transfer window after impressing for Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He scored twice during the tournament, finding the net against Belgium in the group stage before scoring again against Australia in the round of 32.
However, any potential deal would face significant hurdles, including Al-Ahly’s position on the midfielder’s future.
The Egyptian club announced in August that Ashour had extended his contract until 2030. More recently, Al-Ahly officials reportedly denied receiving an approach from Al-Ittihad or any other club for the player, adding that they were not considering first-team departures at this stage.
Al-Ittihad would also need to assess their foreign-player registrations before pursuing another overseas signing.
Saudi Pro League rules allow clubs to register up to 10 foreign players, with eight permitted on a league matchday list. The regulations also provide for a separate category for a foreign professional born in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ittihad’s squad includes several established foreign players, among them Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, Portuguese midfielder Danilo Pereira, Colombian Richard Rios, Algerian Houssem Aouar, Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy, Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn and Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri. The club also have other foreign players in their squad, meaning their registration position would need to be assessed before any move.
Rios could be a consideration if his reported ankle ligament injury keeps him out for an extended period, although an injury alone does not automatically create a vacant registration slot.
For now, Al-Ittihad’s reported interest remains speculative, with Ashour tied to Al-Ahly until 2030 and the Egyptian club having publicly indicated their intention to retain him.
