Latest news with #Ahly
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ceramica Cleopatra sign veteran midfielder Amr El-Sulaya after decorated Ahly spell - Egyptian Football
Egyptian Premier League side Ceramica Cleopatra have signed veteran midfielder Amr El-Sulaya on a free transfer, the club announced Wednesday, following the expiration of his contract with Ahly. The 35-year-old joins Ceramica after nearly a decade with the Cairo giants, where he won 24 major titles and became one of the most decorated players in club history. El-Sulaya arrived at Ahly in January 2016 from UAE club Al-Shaab and went on to make 342 appearances, scoring 34 goals and providing 29 assists. Renowned for his composure and big-game performances, he played a central role in Ahly's dominant era. During his nine-and-a-half-year tenure, El-Sulaya won seven Egyptian Premier League titles, four Egypt Cups, five Egyptian Super Cups, four CAF Champions League trophies, two CAF Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals, and the FIFA African–Asian–Pacific Cup. He is the only player in Ahly history to score in three separate CAF Champions League finals — against Espérance (2018), Zamalek (2020), and Kaizer Chiefs (2021). Ahly paid tribute to El-Sulaya in May, calling him 'one of the most loyal and committed players in the club's history,' and said he may return in a future technical or administrative role. The club also announced plans to honour him in a special ceremony. For Ceramica, the signing brings leadership and top-level experience to the squad. At the same time, El-Sulaya begins a new chapter looking to leave his mark at a rising Premier League side. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ahly sign Mostafa El-Esh permanently after standout loan from ZED - Egyptian Football
Egyptian Premier League champions Ahly have completed the permanent signing of defender Mostafa El-Esh from ZED FC, the clubs announced Wednesday, following a strong six-month loan spell that included appearances at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 24-year-old centre-back, who can also cover at left-back, joined Ahly in January and featured in 13 matches across all competitions, impressing in domestic and international fixtures. Ahly triggered a buyout clause reportedly worth EGP 50 million. The deal also included additional player movements—most notably the permanent transfer of Khaled Abdel-Fattah and the loan of Ahmed Reda to ZED—bringing the total package to nearly EGP 75 million, according to local reports. El-Esh has signed a four-year contract that runs through June 2029. He was part of Ahly's squad at the 2024 Club World Cup and contributed to the club's successful defence of the Egyptian league title last season. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
3 days ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Zizo relishes fierce competition in revamped Ahly squad - Egyptian Football
'We have a strong squad, especially after all the new signings. There will be strong competition between all the players, and this is a good thing for the team and the coach, who has plenty of options,' Zizo told the club's official website on Tuesday. The 29-year-old completed a sensational free transfer last month from rivals Zamalek to Ahly, in one of the most high-profile moves in recent Egyptian football history. The record African champions have added eight players to their squad during the close season, including Zizo, defender Yassin Marei, Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, goalkeeper Mohamed Seha, defender Ahmed Ramadan, former Aston Villa midfielder Mahmoud Trezeguet, and striker Mohamed Sherif. 'All the players are motivated and will deliver their best performance to help the team win titles,' Zizo said. 'Ahly participates in many tournaments and needs a strong and ready roster with the same quality.' Zizo featured for Ahly in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, making three appearances and registering one assist, despite the team's early exit in the group stage. 'We put in strong performances at the Club World Cup, but we missed several scoring chances. We'll do our best to return to the tournament in the 2029 edition,' he added. Ahly are currently holding a pre-season training camp in Tunisia ahead of the domestic league season, set to kickoff in August. 'It's important for the players to be part of the preparatory camp. Everyone is eager for the new season and motivated to achieve victories,' Zizo said. 'I'm looking forward to scoring my first goal for Ahly. I hope to feature in the opening league match, but I know I need to be patient,' he added. 'I thank the fans for the warm welcome and hope to meet their expectations. I can't wait for the league to start and to play in front of the supporters at Cairo Stadium.' (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
3 days ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ahly striker Wessam Abou Ali apologizes for misconduct amid MLS transfer talks - Egyptian Football
Palestinian forward Wessam Abou Ali apologized publicly on Monday to Ahly fans, teammates, and club officials for his misconduct as the Egyptian giants near finalizing his transfer to MLS side Columbus Crew. Abou Ali, 26, expressed remorse for his recent conduct after pushing for a move away from the Cairo-based club, citing personal pressures and emotional toll. وسام أبو علي 🗣 يعتذر للنادي وجماهيره ومجلس إدارته ويؤكد شرف لأي لاعب ارتداء قميص الأهلي.🦅 — النادي الأهلي (@AlAhly) July 21, 2025 "I apologize to Ahly fans, President Mahmoud El-Khatib, and everyone at the club," Abou Ali said in a statement on the club's website. "Things escalated too quickly, and I lost control. I bear full responsibility," he added. The striker's apology follows mounting tensions surrounding his future. After a standout performance at the FIFA Club World Cup, where he scored a hat-trick in a dramatic 4-4 draw with FC Porto, Abou Ali made it clear he wanted to leave, urging the club to accept a transfer offer. Linked with Gulf sides Al-Rayyan and Al-Wasl, as well as MLS outfits New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew, Abou Ali's situation turned contentious when he missed pre-season training, citing injury. He was subsequently fined by the club and excluded from Ahly's training camp squad in Tunisia. The Palestinian Football Association intervened last week, issuing a statement urging Ahly to respect the player's wishes and facilitate a move abroad, only to retract it a few hours later by removing the statement from their official channels. Despite initially valuing the player at $10 million and declaring him not for sale, Ahly is now reportedly prepared to accept Columbus Crew's $7.5 million bid, plus $1.5 million in performance-based add-ons and a 15 percent resale clause. Abou Ali joined Ahly from Sweden's IK Sirius in January 2024 and made an immediate impact, scoring 18 goals in 19 matches to win the Egyptian Premier League Golden Boot in his debut half-season. Although injuries disrupted his follow-up campaign, he still finished with 10 goals in 16 league appearances, second only to teammate Emam Ashour. The striker's contract with Ahly runs until 2029, but both parties now appear ready to part ways. "Whether the deal goes through or not, I am grateful to Ahly. This club made me a star, gave me a platform, and took me to the Club World Cup," Abou Ali said. A formal agreement with Columbus Crew is expected in the coming days. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ahly deny pursuing Mostafa Mohamed - Egyptian Football
Egyptian giants Ahly have denied reports linking the club with a move for Egypt international striker Mostafa Mohamed during the current transfer window. Sporting Director Mohamed Youssef dismissed claims of negotiations with the Nantes forward, saying there has been no contact between the club and the player or his representatives. 'I haven't met with Mostafa Mohamed or his agent since I assumed my position at Ahly, and I have never held talks with him,' Youssef told Ahly TV late Wednesday. 'There has been no communication whatsoever. Everything being said about this matter is incorrect,' he added. Youssef took over as sporting director in April 2025 and oversees key responsibilities related to Ahly's first team, including recruitment and transfers. Mohamed, 27, is under contract with Ligue 1 side Nantes until June 2027. He is currently participating in the club's pre-season camp and scored twice in a 2-0 friendly win over Stade Lavallois earlier this week. The former Zamalek striker was been linked with a move to Ahly to replace the departing Wessam Abou Ali who is trying to force his move away from the Cairo giants. Several Egyptian and French reports have claimed the talks between both sides over the past few weeks. Ahly, record CAF Champions League winners, are preparing for the upcoming 2025–26 season, aiming to bolster their squad after a busy summer window. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
