Egyptian media outlets have reported that renowned Moroccan manager Houcine Ammouta has emerged as a top candidate to take over at Al Ahly SC for the upcoming season.
Al Ahly’s board, led by President Mahmoud El Khatib, has officially decided to part ways with current head coach Jees Thorup. However, the club is still locked in negotiations regarding Thorup’s severance package and release clause, with ongoing disputes widely expected to escalate to FIFA.
Van Bommel’s High Demands Open the Door for Ammouta
The Cairo giants have already begun planning for the future, compiling a shortlist of elite managers to succeed Thorup. While Dutch tactician Mark van Bommel initially topped the list, his hefty financial demands—exceeding €4 million annually—have stalled negotiations.
Consequently, Houcine Ammouta’s name has been heavily brought to the table over the past few hours. Boasting immense experience in African and Arab football, the 56-year-old manager is now considered a frontrunner for Africa’s Club of the Century.
Ammouta’s Illustrious Managerial Career
The Moroccan coach has put together a highly impressive resume over the years. His notable achievements include:
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Winning the Qatar Stars League with Al Sadd.
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Securing the Moroccan Botola and the CAF Champions League with Wydad AC.
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Lifting the African Nations Championship (CHAN) title with Morocco’s local national team in 2021.
Ammouta is also widely remembered for his historic stint with the Jordan national team, where he famously guided the “Chivalrous” to their first-ever AFC Asian Cup final in 2023. Following that historic run, he took charge of UAE’s Al Jazira last season, successfully leading them to a UAE League Cup triumph.
