Al Ahly Snubs Torup and Locks in Belamri: January Transfer Showdown

Transfer News: Al Ahly Keeps Belamri Move Despite Torup’s Demands

Al Ahly's management rejected Danish coach Jes Torup's request to backtrack on the deal to sign Moroccan Youssef Belamri in the current winter transfer window.

Sources within the club told Kooora that Torup had actually asked to sign a foreign pair in central defense and as a striker, at the expense of Moroccan Ashraf Dari and Slovenian Nits Gradiçar.

Torup's demand stunned Al Ahly officials, who sealed negotiations with Raja Casablanca to purchase the remaining terms of Belamri's contract, which runs to the end of the season.

Despite the coach's request, Said Abdel-Hafiz, a board member, insisted on completing the deal and finalized it for $500,000, convinced the team needed a left-back.

Al Ahly is also having trouble reaching a settlement with Ashraf Dari over his financial dues should he terminate his contract.

Belamri is set to undergo medical tests after the Africa Cup of Nations, during which he currently represents Morocco.

Separately, Mahmoud El-Khatib, the club president, will return to his treating doctor in France after finishing the medical checks there to monitor his health and outline the treatment plan while avoiding mental stress to prevent complications.

Before traveling to France last Thursday, El-Khatib held several meetings to reaffirm routine operations and the full authority of those handling the various files, in a move designed to safeguard the club's interests.

Punchlines: In football transfers, contracts age faster than a good wine—best served hot, not watered down. And if this window were a joke, the joke would be on the clock—every minute brings a new chorus of “sign here” while the coffee goes cold.