Winter Transfer Sparks: Al Ahly's Bold Makeover Under New Coach Yis Turup

Winter Transfer Moves Under a New Coach

Al Ahly has begun a winter refresh under new coach Yis Turup, signaling early transfer talks and possible departures for a trio of foreign players. The club hopes to keep core players while exploring overseas deals.

Turup will decide who leaves in January and which signings are essential to strengthen the squad for the rest of the season.

Chairman Mahmoud Al-Khatib met Turup after his two-and-a-half-year deal was announced, affirming that the winter file is Turup's responsibility, with Walid Salah El-Din providing the plan for negotiations.

Sources say Al-Khatib stressed identifying definitive winter targets and departures, noting the Egyptian Super Cup in the UAE as a key milestone; the planning committee will weigh in.

Gazar, Replacements, and the Left-Back Dossier

There are talks of a return for Mahmoud El-Gazar, a defender from Bank Al Ahly, on a free transfer at season's end after his Nye contract ends. The move would bring back a familiar face as the club reshapes its defense.

Yahya Zakaria (Ghazl El Mahalla) and Tofig Mohammed (Petrojet) are among left-back targets, as coaches seek options beyond current players like Shokri.

Turup has a full file on potential left-backs, including Ahmed Nabil Koka, Mustafa Al-Ash, and Karim Fouad, to help decisions on arrivals or releases.

Al Ahly also eye a striker to replace Wasem Abu Ali, who left for MLS, as part of boosting the attack.

There is talk of an initial deal with Palestinian Asad Hamlaoui of Craiova, potentially subject to a buyout that Turup would decide on.

Sources say Turup will decide on departures, with Moroccan Dari, Malian Dieng, and Slovenian Gradiçar leading the list before adding foreigners as needed.

Rest, Returns, and Burundi Mission

The team was given a day off; Turup will lead his first training on Monday as his staff arrives in Cairo. Several internationals will rejoin, including eight Egyptians: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mustafa Shobier, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Ahmed Nabil Koca, Marwan Attia, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, and Ahmed Mustafa Zizo.

Also returning are Slovenian Gradiçar, Malian Dieng, Tunisian Ben Ramadan, and Ashraf Ben Sharqi, as needed.

Turup asked for invites to watch Egypt's World Cup qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau to monitor players in action and support them from the stands.

Ahly travels to Burundi by private jet to face Eagle Nwar in the CAF Champions League first leg; the Burundian club confirmed the October 18 date. Dr. Mohammed Shoghy will head the delegation on this trip, even though he is not pursuing reelection.

Eagle Nwar progressed to the round of 32 by beating Djibouti's Aces Telecom in the previous round.

Punchline 1: If Al Ahly signs all these players, their trophy cabinet might need its own passport.

Punchline 2: In football transfer windows, the ball moves faster than my humor—and I’m still buffering.