Ahly Steps Up Push to Sign Yusuf Belghri from Raja Casablanca

Transfer developments

Ahly’s administration has launched formal talks with Raja Casablanca executives to negotiate purchasing Yusuf Belghri, the team’s left-back.

Contract dynamics

Sources told Kooora that Ahly contacted Raja for the first time in hours, requesting to buy the remaining term of Belghri’s contract as negotiations began.

The source added that Sayed Abdelhafiz, a board member, held a meeting with Belghri’s agent during team's stay in Morocco for Royal Army derby against AS FAR in CAF Champions League, ending 1-1.

And he added: an initial agreement on the annual salary was reached with the player and his agent, proposing a four-and-a-half-year term if Raja Casablanca approves the move.

The source stressed that Ahly sought to buy the remaining six months of Belghri’s contract for $500,000 in a deal under negotiation.

And he stressed that Ahly intends to sign Belghri to reinforce the left flank, amid doubts over Mohamed Shukri’s level, plus the return of Ahmed Nabil Kouka to midfield.

Punchline 1: If this transfer hits, Ahly’s left wing will finally get a haircut—sharper than the ball at kickoff. Punchline 2: If talks stall, the calendar will need a referee because patience just got sent off.