Hussein Ammouta has rejected the proposed signing of Nantes defender Ali Youssef, delivering an early setback to Al Ahly’s plans for the summer transfer window.
The decision is one of the first clear indications of how Ammouta intends to shape the Egyptian club’s squad after taking charge of the first team. Although Ali Youssef had welcomed the possibility of joining Al Ahly, the new manager was not convinced that the defender was the right addition for his defensive plans.
The Moroccan coach has therefore not shown enthusiasm for completing the deal, making it increasingly unlikely that Ali Youssef will wear the red shirt during the current summer transfer period.
Al Ahly had considered the Libya international as a potential reinforcement for their back line. However, according to Moroccan publication Le360 Sport, Ammouta turned down the proposal after assessing the player and deciding against pursuing the transfer.
The move would have represented a significant addition to Al Ahly’s defence, particularly as the club prepares for a demanding campaign on domestic and continental fronts. Instead, Ammouta’s stance has closed the door on a deal that had attracted interest within the club.
Ali Youssef had been receptive to the idea of moving to Egypt and was reportedly keen on joining the Cairo-based side. His willingness to make the switch, though, was not enough to persuade Ammouta to approve the signing.
Al Ahly recently appointed Ammouta as their new head coach, replacing Danish manager Jes Thorup. He will lead the team into the new season, with the club facing challenges in the Egyptian Premier League, the Egypt Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.
The appointment gives Ammouta the task of building a new direction for one of Africa’s most prominent clubs. His first transfer decision suggests that he will have a decisive role in determining which players are recruited, rather than simply approving targets already under consideration.
Ammouta, 56, arrives at Al Ahly with an established coaching record across the region. He guided Morocco’s local national team to notable achievements and has also managed several leading Arab clubs.
His previous club appointments include Moroccan side Wydad, Qatari club Al Sadd and UAE team Al Jazira. He has also coached the Jordan national team, adding international experience to a career that has included work in several major football environments.
The Al Ahly job represents another major challenge for Ammouta as he begins the next stage of his managerial career. His immediate focus will be preparing the squad for a season containing important domestic fixtures as well as continental competition.
For now, however, the club’s expected move for Ali Youssef has been abandoned after Ammouta made clear that he does not want to proceed with the Nantes defender.
