Bakheet Khamis, captain of the Sudan national football team, has revealed that he was the subject of formal transfer approaches from Al-Merrikh SC earlier this year, but says no recent contact has been made regarding a potential return.
Speaking in an interview, the left-back explained that negotiations had taken place between Al-Merreikh and his former club, Al-Ahli Tripoli, where he had been playing following a series of spells in Libyan football.
Khamis confirmed that those discussions ultimately stalled due to financial considerations.
“Indeed, the current club management conducted serious negotiations with Al-Ahli Tripoli’s management, with the aim of my return to Al-Merreikh’s ranks again, but they were met with the large financial compensation for giving up my services. On my part, I showed clear flexibility and welcomed the return, and made it conditional on obtaining the approval of the Libyan club.”
No Fresh Contact but Continued Support
Despite earlier talks, Khamis indicated that communication has since gone quiet, leaving his immediate future unresolved.
“At the moment I have not received any new contacts to return to Al-Merreikh, but I am happy with the leap the team is going through, as the technical level has improved, and there has been a clear leap in results. The club’s management is on the right track, and I believe that reaching the group stage of the African Champions League remains a goal that should not be compromised on.”
His remarks come at a time when Al-Merreikh are seeking to re-establish themselves at continental level, with renewed focus on qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.
Reflecting on Success in Libya
Khamis also spoke of his time in Libya, describing it as a successful period in his career. He confirmed that he recently ended his contract with Al-Ahli Tripoli by mutual consent, having previously featured for Al-Nasr SC Benghazi.
“I achieved remarkable accomplishments, and contributed significantly to Al-Nasr Club winning the Libyan League title, and I also contributed to achieving local titles with Al-Ahli Tripoli. As for me, my connection with Al-Merreikh Club is well known to the fans, as I preferred it over all other clubs in the country. I achieved great successes there, and I owe a lot to the club, as I left it on good terms with the approval of the club’s management. In fact, I was stipulating a loan instead of a permanent release.”
Emotional Ties and International Recognition
The 33-year-old underlined his enduring attachment to Al-Merreikh, crediting the club with playing a central role in his development and rise to national prominence.
“Whether I return to the club or am satisfied with the period I spent, I will never forget what the Red Club gave me, nor will I forget the great public support I found from the fans. These are indelible memories. The years I spent with Al-Merreikh contributed to my wearing the captain’s armband for the Sudanese national team in continental events. I received a great deal of attention after the wonderful generation I played with succeeded in reaching the finals of the Arab Cup and the finals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations.”
Focus on Continental Ambitions
Khamis concluded by urging Al-Merreikh’s leadership to prioritise sustained participation in continental competitions, stressing the importance of consistency at the highest level.
“The team must participate continuously in the African Champions League groups, and its strong return to continental competition should be a priority for the management of President Mujahid Sahl. Currently, the team has begun to recover, and I hope that it will fully regain its brilliance and luster.”
While his return remains uncertain, Khamis’s comments underline both his ongoing connection to the club and his belief in its potential resurgence on the African stage.
