Moroccan forward Achraf Bencharki has made renewing his contract with Al Ahly his priority despite interest from other clubs, although negotiations over improved financial terms could determine whether he remains with the Egyptian champions beyond his current deal.
The 31-year-old’s future has attracted growing attention ahead of the next transfer window, with clubs from the Gulf region and Libya reportedly interested in signing him. However, a source cited by WinWin said Bencharki would prefer to continue his career with Al Ahly.
The club’s management is also keen to retain key players, with the Moroccan regarded as an important option in attack. Nevertheless, an agreement over a new contract has yet to be reached, leaving uncertainty over his long-term future in Cairo.
Bencharki’s current deal is approaching its end, making discussions over an extension increasingly important for both the player and the club.
Financial terms could shape renewal negotiations
According to the source, Bencharki has informed Al Ahly’s board that staying with the Red Devils is his preferred option, despite the interest he has attracted elsewhere.
However, the Moroccan international is expected to seek improved financial terms before committing to a contract extension.
That demand could become a central issue in negotiations, with Al Ahly looking to balance the player’s contribution on the pitch against the club’s financial plans for the coming period.
The Egyptian side is understood to be preparing to discuss the renewal with Bencharki, with the aim of finding an agreement that satisfies both parties and avoids uncertainty over his future as the transfer window approaches.
The outcome will depend on whether the club and the player’s representatives can bridge any differences over salary and other contractual details.
Direct discussions are expected to play a decisive role in determining whether Bencharki continues at Al Ahly or considers an offer from another club. Further clarity is anticipated after the team completes its upcoming fixtures.
Al Ahly weigh sporting value against financial demands
Bencharki has built up considerable experience across several leagues during his career, having played in Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, as well as spending a short period in France.
His experience in different footballing environments has helped him become familiar with the demands of competing for major clubs, including the pressure associated with Al Ahly’s pursuit of domestic and continental honours.
From a sporting perspective, retaining the Moroccan would give the Egyptian side an experienced attacking option who can operate in more than one position in the forward line.
However, the decision is not expected to depend solely on his performances. The player’s salary expectations and the club’s approach to its wage structure will also influence the final outcome.
Al Ahly’s management must therefore weigh the benefits of keeping Bencharki against the financial conditions required to secure his signature on a new deal.
While the club is interested in retaining him, the possibility of a departure remains open if both sides fail to reach an agreement.
Derby performance adds to focus on Bencharki
The contract discussions come after Al Ahly defeated traditional rivals Zamalek 2-0 in Sunday’s Cairo derby.
Bencharki performed well during the victory, providing another reminder of his contribution to the team as questions continue over his future.
The result gave Al Ahly a positive outcome in one of Egyptian football’s biggest fixtures, while attention has now turned to the club’s plans for the Moroccan forward.
For Bencharki, the preference is reportedly clear: he wants to remain with Al Ahly. Whether that intention leads to a new contract will depend on the negotiations ahead.
With interest from clubs outside Egypt and financial considerations still to be resolved, the coming discussions could prove decisive in determining whether the Moroccan international extends his stay with the Red Devils or begins a new chapter elsewhere.
