When Egyptian giants hedge bets in the winter: a swap deal whispers between Al Ahly and Al Masry
3 January 2026
A swap deal behind the scenes between Al Ahly's president and Kamal Abu Ali
Behind-the-Scenes Swap Talks
Over the past few hours, intensive negotiations have unfolded between Mahmoud Al-Khatib, the president of Al Ahly, and Kamal Abu Ali, the head of Al Masry, to settle a swap deal in the ongoing winter window.
Kooora sources say discussions intensified with the aim of finalising a swap after Al Ahly's near-approval to release Omar Al-Saei to Al Masry on a permanent basis.
Al Ahly reportedly wants Khaled Sobhi, a defender for Egypt's national team from Al Masry, in return for selling Omar Al-Saei to Al Masry.
Possible Players Involved
According to informed sources, Abu Ali has requested the services of Mohamed Magdy "Afsha" either on a permanent basis or on loan to secure Khaled Sobhi's exit.
Masry has also proposed transferring their forward Ahmed Eid to Al Ahly before his contract ends, and has officially expressed interest in borrowing Hamza Alaa, Al Ahly's goalkeeper.
Sniper punchline 1: If football transfers were poker, these clubs just went all-in on Khaled Sobhi, while Afsha folds.
Sniper punchline 2: In football, the drama of winter swaps makes Cluedo look like a children’s game—everyone suspects everyone, and the ball still finds its own way home.
