Delay or Strategy? Turup Leaves as Al Ahly Hammers Out Winter Transfers

Transfer Talks Take a Backseat as Turup Heads Home

Al Ahly’s football department postponed the meeting scheduled with Danish coach Yis Turup to next week, intending to finalize the winter transfer plan. Turup requested time off to travel to Denmark to visit his family, following a five-day club break due to international fixtures. He and his staff flew from Cairo to Denmark to check on loved ones after the rest period.

Return from Morocco and Training Outlook

Al Ahly’s delegation arrived in Cairo this morning from Morocco after a 1-1 draw with AS FAR Rabat in the CAF Champions League group stage. The technical staff granted Ashraf Ben Sharqi, Ashraf Dari, and Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan permission to remain in Morocco after the game as part of the break before training resumes. Training is set to restart after the rest, as the team gears up for Enppi on the 11th of next month, in the opening round of Egypt’s Capital Cup.

In a separate note, Turup disclosed that he briefly considered withdrawing from the battle with AS FAR Rabat due to the surrounding atmosphere, but was mostly satisfied with the draw, acknowledging both sides had clear chances. He pointed to refereeing mistakes, such as a denied penalty and early challenges in the box, arguing that the absence of VAR influenced the referee’s calls. Still, he praised the second half’s performance, saying they were close to victory despite tough conditions, noting the home crowd’s support can tilt results in favor of the hosts. The stadium, atmosphere, and organization off the pitch were remarkable, though bottle-throwing was unacceptable and harmed the match’s image.

Turup added that Morocco’s hospitality and facilities impressed him: This is my first visit to Morocco; I am impressed by the welcome, lodging, and the stadium’s beauty. The Moroccan people are hospitable; everything was near perfect. He also reminded that the group is formidable and that any team will face significant challenges, with his current focus on improving the team’s performance and preparing for the upcoming rounds.

Punchlines: If transfers were a dating app, Al Ahly would already have unmatched a dozen offers. And if patience were a footballer, it would be called Extra Time—always late but somehow still delivering the drama.