Algerian forward Monsef Bakrar has joined Al Ahly’s pre-season preparations in Spain after completing a period of rest granted by the club’s technical staff.
The Egyptian club confirmed on Sunday evening that Bakrar had arrived at their overseas training camp as they continue their preparations for the new season.
Al Ahly said in a statement: “The Algerian Monsef Bakrar will join the overseas training camp currently being held in Spain this evening. This comes after the end of the rest granted to the player by the technical staff as part of preparations for the new season.”
Bakrar’s arrival brings Al Ahly’s latest signing back into the team environment as the club work towards the start of their new campaign. The forward had been allowed time away from the squad during the past few days before travelling to join his team-mates.
Al Ahly completed a deal to sign Bakrar from Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb. He has agreed a three-year contract with the Egyptian side, who moved to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
The transfer is worth 3m euros, with a further 500,000 euros available in incentives and bonuses linked to the terms agreed between Al Ahly and Dinamo Zagreb.
Al Ahly’s coaching staff hope the Algeria international can make a significant contribution to the team across the various competitions they will contest during the new season. His signing is part of the club’s preparations to improve their squad before competitive action begins.
The club will conclude their overseas camp in Spain with a high-profile friendly against Barcelona. The match is expected to be one of the most notable fixtures of Al Ahly’s pre-season schedule and will provide a major test before the new campaign gets under way.
Al Ahly will face Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou on 19 August in the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy.
The meeting has attracted considerable attention because of the strength of the opposition and its timing before the start of the season. Al Ahly will use the match, as well as the wider Spanish training camp, to prepare their squad and give their new signings the opportunity to settle into the team.
Bakrar’s participation in the camp means he can now continue that preparation with the rest of the squad. Al Ahly are aiming to make the most of their time in Spain while ensuring their new arrivals are ready for the demands of the season ahead.