Speaking in televised remarks on MBC Egypt, Ahmed Yahya addressed speculation surrounding Ashour’s transfer from Zamalek SC to FC Midtjylland, before his subsequent return to Egypt to join Al-Ahly in a high-profile move.
“There is no bridge worth $3 million”
Ashour initially left Zamalek for Midtjylland in a deal reported to be worth $3 million. However, his stay in Denmark proved brief, with the midfielder returning to Egypt soon after to complete a transfer to Al-Ahly.
Yahya firmly denied claims that the European move was a strategic “bridge” designed to pave the way for a switch to Al-Ahly. Addressing the rumours directly, he stated: “There is no bridge worth $3 million.”
His comments challenge the narrative that the transfer sequence was premeditated, instead portraying the moves as independent decisions shaped by circumstances at the time.
Player was open to all clubs
According to the agent, Ashour was not exclusively tied to any club upon his return from Denmark. Yahya explained that the player was available to multiple teams, including his former side Zamalek.
He noted that Ashour had been in Egypt undergoing treatment and rehabilitation during that period, which provided an opportunity for clubs to approach him. However, he suggested that a reunion with Zamalek was unlikely, given the timing of his departure.
Yahya indicated that it would not have been logical for Zamalek to re-sign the player shortly after selling him, despite his availability on the market.
Adaptation challenges in Denmark
The agent also shed light on the reasons behind Ashour’s short stint in European football. He attributed the player’s return to difficulties adapting to life in Denmark, rather than any pre-planned transfer strategy.
Among the factors cited were the significant differences in environment and climate, particularly the colder weather, which reportedly made it challenging for the player to settle.
This explanation provides additional context to what had been described as a sudden return from professional football abroad, suggesting that personal and environmental considerations played a decisive role.
High-profile move to Al-Ahly
Ashour’s eventual transfer to Al-Ahly attracted considerable attention, given both his previous association with Zamalek and the speed of his return from Europe. The deal was widely viewed as a major acquisition for the Cairo-based club.
While speculation has continued to surround the circumstances of the move, Yahya’s remarks seek to clarify the sequence of events and dispel lingering doubts about the nature of the transfers.
Ongoing debate
Despite the agent’s statements, the transfer remains a topic of debate among observers, reflecting the broader scrutiny that often accompanies high-profile player movements between rival clubs.
For now, Yahya’s account provides a clear position from the player’s camp: that Ashour’s move to Midtjylland was not part of a calculated pathway, but rather a separate chapter that ultimately led to his return and subsequent signing with Al-Ahly.
