Al Ahly Signals Imam Ashour Exit Under Strict Conditions
7 February 2026
Key development
The Egyptian club Al Ahly has opened the door to the departure of star Imam Ashour during the upcoming summer transfer window, according to AfricaFut.
According to the site, the club's management has grown open to letting go of the Egyptian international midfielder, amid noticeable tension between the parties in recent times.
Last week saw a disciplinary sanction against Imam Ashour, consisting of a fine of about 1.5 million Egyptian pounds (around $30,000) and a two-week ban from playing.
The sanction came after the player was absent without permission from the team's trip to Tanzania, where Al Ahly faced Young Africans in the CAF Champions League.
Decision and terms
A decisive meeting between Al Ahly officials and the player yielded a preliminary approval to allow Ashour to pursue a professional spell outside Egypt, but under strict financial terms.
The report noted that the club would not consider any offer below $12 million, deeming the player a key pillar in the club's sporting project for the upcoming period.
The administration clearly stated it does not intend to sell Ashour before the 2026 World Cup, keeping the door open for departure only if a financial offer meets the club's ambitions during the summer window.
Ashour, aged 27, reportedly expressed discontent to the club's officials, demanding a substantial raise in annual salary.
Financial tensions
Ashour is said to be seeking a salary matching that of teammate Ahmed Sayed "Zizo", whose annual income exceeds $1.3 million, fueling increasing tension between player and management.
The club remains firm on financial discipline and pay structure, refusing to negotiate under pressure despite the player's value to the squad.
Africa Fut concluded by noting that a Saudi club had, weeks earlier, tabled a tempting offer to sign Ashour, with developments to come in the near future.
Punchlines: If discipline were a currency, Al Ahly would be minting it; and Ashour’s salary demands are so lofty that even the spreadsheet needs a vacation.
