National Bank of Egypt chairman Ashraf Nassar has denied reports that the club are negotiating with Algerian midfielder Ahmed Kandoussi over a move during the current summer transfer window.
Kandoussi, who previously played for Al Ahly and currently represents Swiss club Lugano, had been linked with a return to Egyptian football amid reports that National Bank were looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
However, Nassar has rejected those claims, insisting that there have been no negotiations with the Algerian player.
“There are no negotiations with the Algerian Ahmed Kandoussi.”
The comments from the National Bank chairman provide a direct response to reports suggesting the club were close to securing the midfielder’s services.
Instead, the club are continuing to assess other options as they attempt to build a stronger squad capable of competing near the top of the Egyptian Premier League.
National Bank focus on foreign players
Nassar said National Bank are working to reinforce several areas of the squad, with particular attention being given to foreign players.
The club’s management wants to improve the overall quality of the team and bring in players capable of making an immediate contribution during the coming campaign.
While Kandoussi is not part of those negotiations, the club president confirmed that recruitment remains a priority.
National Bank are looking for a foreign player who can provide a significant boost to the team as they attempt to build a squad capable of achieving their sporting objectives.
The strategy forms part of the club’s wider plans to continue the progress made during recent seasons.
National Bank have shown improved performances in the Egyptian top flight and now want to take another step forward by competing more consistently among the leading teams.
Club targeting African qualification
One of the main ambitions for National Bank is to secure a position in the Egyptian Premier League that would qualify them for an African competition.
The club’s management believes strengthening the squad during the current transfer window will be important to achieving that objective.
The recruitment process is therefore focused not simply on adding numbers but on identifying players who can make a difference to the team’s performances.
Nassar said the club intends to complete several deals during the coming period, with the quality and suitability of potential signings being central to the process.
The management is aiming to build a team that can compete effectively at the top end of the domestic league.
A successful campaign could also bring the club closer to its longer-term ambition of making its first appearance in an African competition.
Kandoussi remains outside current plans
Despite the reports linking Kandoussi with National Bank, Nassar’s comments make clear that the Algerian is not currently involved in the club’s recruitment plans.
Kandoussi has experience of Egyptian football from his time with Al Ahly before continuing his career in Switzerland with Lugano.
His reported connection with National Bank emerged as the club began searching for reinforcements for the new season.
But the chairman’s statement has now ended speculation over a potential deal, at least based on the information provided by the club.
National Bank will instead continue looking at alternative targets, particularly among foreign players who can strengthen the squad.
National Bank plan further signings
The club’s transfer activity is expected to continue as the new season approaches.
Nassar said the administration intends to finalise a number of deals, with recruitment decisions based on whether players are capable of contributing to the club’s ambitions.
The objective is to build on the progress made by the team in recent seasons and establish National Bank as a regular contender for the higher positions in the Egyptian Premier League.
The club’s longer-term goal is to qualify for African competition for the first time in its history.
Achieving that target will require National Bank to improve the depth and quality of their squad, particularly as they seek to compete with the country’s established leading clubs.
For now, however, Ahmed Kandoussi will not be part of that process.
Nassar’s statement has firmly ruled out negotiations with the Algerian, while confirming that National Bank remain active in their search for other reinforcements.
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