Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad have not opened discussions over a January move for Al Ahly midfielder Imam Ashour, despite renewed reports linking the Egyptian international with a transfer to Jeddah.
A source close to the Saudi club confirmed to WinWin that Ashour remains a player who previously attracted their attention, but insisted that no decision has been taken to pursue his signature during the upcoming winter transfer window.
The clarification comes after Saudi newspaper Al-Wiam reported that Al-Ittihad had revived their interest in the 27-year-old ahead of January and were preparing to consider an official approach to Al Ahly.
However, the source explained that the club’s management has yet to begin planning its winter recruitment or identify specific players it wants to bring in.
Instead, Al-Ittihad are expected to hold discussions with their German head coach, Jens Wissing, in the coming days to assess the team’s performances and determine where reinforcements are required.
The meeting will focus on reviewing the previous period, identifying weaknesses in the squad and establishing which positions should be prioritised when the transfer window opens.
According to the source, any potential move for Ashour would depend on the outcome of those discussions and the technical requirements identified by the coaching staff.
Al-Ittihad coach was not convinced by Imam Ashour deal
The source also provided details of Al-Ittihad’s previous interest in the Al Ahly midfielder during last summer’s transfer window, revealing that the proposed move did not receive full backing from the team’s technical staff.
Despite strong interest from several members of the club’s previous administration, Wissing was reportedly unconvinced that Ashour was the right option to strengthen his midfield.
The German coach did not consider the Egyptian international a priority target for the position, which prevented the discussions from progressing into formal negotiations.
Although some officials were keen to bring the midfielder to Saudi Arabia, the lack of enthusiasm from the technical director meant the proposed transfer did not advance to the stage of an official offer.
The latest reports have therefore revived speculation surrounding Ashour’s future, although Al-Ittihad’s current position suggests that a January move is far from being an established transfer plan.
Ashour commits future to Al Ahly until 2030
Meanwhile, Ashour remains under contract with Al Ahly after signing a new agreement with the Egyptian giants last August that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2030.
His renewal followed intensive negotiations with the club after his impressive performances at the 2026 World Cup.
However, the midfielder’s involvement has been limited during the current season, with the Egyptian international making only four appearances and accumulating 242 minutes of playing time.
He has also been left out of Al Ahly’s matchday squad for three consecutive matches, with the decision reportedly taken by Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta for technical reasons.
His reduced involvement has added another dimension to speculation about his future, particularly with reports continuing to associate him with a possible move to the Saudi Pro League.
Nevertheless, there has been no confirmation of an agreement between the clubs or an official approach from the Saudi side.
A source within Al Ahly also told WinWin that the club had not received any formal offer from Al-Ittihad for Ashour’s services ahead of the January transfer window.
For now, the Egyptian midfielder remains an Al Ahly player, while Al-Ittihad are expected to assess their recruitment priorities before deciding whether to pursue any new signings in the winter market.
