Imam Ashour, a player for Al-Ahly and the Egyptian national team, has become one of Saudi club Al-Ittihad's targets for signing during the current summer transfer window.
"Yalla Kora" revealed last Tuesday that Imam Ashour was among the candidates considered by the Saudi club to strengthen its squad, which is preparing for domestic and continental commitments. Read the details
Developments in Al-Ittihad's stance on signing Imam Ashour
"Yalla Kora" learned today, Saturday, that Imam Ashour remains among the western club's targets for signing during the summer transfer window; however, the Saudi management has not submitted any official offers yet.
A source close to Al-Ittihad club told "Yalla Kora" that negotiations regarding the signing of Imam Ashour are currently suspended due to the change in management and the full transfer of the club's ownership to the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
The Saudi Ministry of Sport had announced a few days earlier the transfer of 25%, the remaining share of ownership of clubs Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli, which was previously held by non-profit institutions, to the Public Investment Fund, making them fully owned (100%) by the fund.
The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, added that the situation may change in the coming period with the new management, alongside the opinion of German coach Jens Wissing, who will ultimately decide whether to sign the player or not.
Wissing, Al-Ittihad's head coach, had previously declined to comment on the file concerning the signing of Imam Ashour, leaving the door open regarding the possibility of acquiring the 28-year-old player.
Imam Ashour's future with Al-Ahly
Al-Ahly club issued an official statement last Tuesday announcing its rejection of an offer from Turkish club Konyaspor to sell Imam Ashour for $4.5 million.
The Cairo-based club expressed its determination to retain Imam Ashour for the new season; however, should an attractive offer exceeding $7 million arrive, the Egyptian international might depart this summer.
Recently, official negotiations took place between Al-Ahly's football management and Imam Ashour aimed at extending his contract for two additional seasons, which would keep him under contract until summer 2030.
Conversely, Imam Ashour has not responded to Al-Ahly's offer, leaving his future regarding a contract extension with the "Red Fortress" uncertain; his current deal expires in summer 2028.
Imam Ashour joined Al-Ahly in summer 2023 following a brief stint with Danish club Midtjylland, with the transfer fee estimated at three million dollars.
