Imam Ashour’s future at Al Ahly remains unresolved, with negotiations over a contract extension stalled because of a disagreement about the financial terms.
According to exclusive information obtained by Africa Foot, no agreement has yet been reached between the Egypt midfielder and Al Ahly’s management. The main obstacle is the gap between Ashour’s financial expectations and the proposal put forward by the Egyptian club.
Al Ahly have offered Ashour an annual salary of about 25m Egyptian pounds, worth approximately $500,000 (£370,000), along with a further 10m Egyptian pounds around $200,000 in benefits and bonuses.
That package has not satisfied the player. Ashour believes the proposed terms do not match his expectations or reflect his importance to the team, particularly given the status he has established since joining Al Ahly.
The situation has reportedly caused frustration within the club. Al Ahly are determined to retain one of their key players but are not currently prepared to meet what they regard as excessive financial demands from the midfielder.
Talks are continuing in a tense atmosphere, while Ashour is not believed to be in a hurry to make a final decision or agree to extend his contract.
At the same time, the player’s representative has begun examining the Saudi Arabian market. According to the same sources, Ashour’s profile has been presented to Saudi Pro League clubs Al Shabab and Al Fayha.
That step indicates that Ashour and his representatives are willing to consider alternatives should the negotiations with Al Ahly fail. However, the source said the player’s agent does not necessarily expect a Saudi club to make a direct payment of $10m.
That figure has been set by Al Ahly as the minimum amount they would accept for a potential transfer of Ashour to Al Ittihad.
The situation comes as Saudi clubs have moved quickly in the recent transfer market, with several of the country’s leading sides strengthening their squads early to meet specific technical requirements. That activity could reduce the likelihood of a Saudi club paying a substantial fee to sign the Egypt midfielder.
Africa Foot also reported that Ashour does not currently want to move to either the Qatar Stars League or the UAE Pro League. The player is instead concentrating on opportunities that would offer both a sporting project and financial terms suited to his ambitions.
As a result, Saudi Arabia appears to be the leading overseas option for Ashour if his contract discussions with Al Ahly break down.
For now, the midfielder’s immediate future remains dependent on whether the two sides can bridge their financial differences. Al Ahly want to keep him, but Ashour has yet to accept the club’s proposal, leaving the possibility of a move abroad open if no agreement is reached.
