Ahly’s Contract Conundrum: Four Players in Spotlight as Torup Comes On Board

Renewals on the radar, not a frozen file

Al Ahly’s management dismissed rumors that contract renewals for players ending their deals this season were being frozen, and they stressed that coach Yees Torup has not intervened in renewal negotiations.

Last Wednesday the club announced Torup’s appointment on a two-and-a-half-year contract, signaling a new chapter for the Red Devils as they plan ahead for continental duties.

Inside sources told Kooora that four players will see their contracts expire at season’s end: Mali’s Aliou Diang, Ahmed Nabil Coca, Hussein Shahat, and Ahmed Abdelkader. The backdrop has been a difficult period under interim coaching, making it unlikely to rush contract conversations during those months.

During the international window, Diang linked up with his national team while Coca represented Egypt, underscoring the calendar’s impact on renewal timing. Torup has not opened any renewal file yet and is instead focused on building his coaching staff, with three assistants reportedly onboard so far.

Shahat’s case featured a reported lucrative offer from Libya, with Al Ahly initially indicating in-principle agreement. After Zizo’s injury, negotiations paused, then Shahat’s form against rival Zamalek shone before another injury sidelined him for more than two months. Libyan talks remain suspended for now.

Officials indicated that the plan was to renew Shahat for one year with an option for another, but the player’s demand for a three-year deal complicates the process. The club plans to present any concrete proposals to the planning committee and club president Mahmoud El Khatib for final guidance.

Ahmed Abdelkader

Abdelkader’s situation differs since his return from a Qatar loan: he has expressed a desire to move on, drawing interest from several clubs. Near-move talk with Ceramica Cleopatra existed, but he reconsidered. In a preliminary negotiation, he reportedly asked for 40 million EGP to renew, while Ahly offered about 18 million. No fresh talks have occurred to date.

Ahmed Nabil Coca

Coca had an offer from Turkey that Ahly reportedly approved before the Turkish club backed out at the last moment. A negotiation session with Coca’s agent discussed renewal and compensation for the past seasons, noting he earned around 2 million EGP annually versus peers his age earning substantially more; no renewed talks have occurred recently. Coca’s agent is said to be the same as Karim Fouad’s, which could influence future discussions.

Aliou Diang

Diang’s main obstacle is a lack of regular starting opportunities. He wants consistent playing time to secure his spot with his national team for Africa Cup of Nations. When he featured as a regular, he showed a willingness to renew, but a reduced role cooled the talks. Diang emphasizes maintaining his place in the national squad rather than demanding financial terms.

Hardline stance

The club’s leadership has adopted a strict approach, focusing renewal efforts only on players whose contracts expire this season and avoiding renegotiations for others for the moment. Imam Ashour’s situation illustrates the intensity: despite talks, he reportedly sought substantial pay increases, and the club opted to close that file for now after considering all factors.

Road trip to Burundi

Ahly will fly to Burundi tomorrow on a private plane to face Eagle Nwar in the CAF Champions League Round of 32 first leg on Saturday. Club president Mahmoud El Khatib will head the delegation, accompanied by Dr. Mohamed Shawqi, reflecting the club’s strategic leadership on this continental mission. Eagle Nwar qualified for Round of 32 after overcoming Bas Telecommunication of Djibouti in the previous round.

With the season’s renewals still in flux, Ahly’s leadership, coach, and fans will be watching closely as international breaks and African competition collide in the coming weeks.

Punchline 1: If patience were a footballer, Ahly would be chasing a marathon rather than a sprint—luckily the scoreline already looks promising.

Punchline 2: Club drama moves slower than a satellite broadcast during a thunderstorm—yet somehow the trophy still seems within reach.