The future of Egyptian international midfielder Emam Ashour is taking center stage at Al Ahly once again, following a formal transfer offer from Turkish Super Lig side Konyaspor during the summer transfer window.
According to Egyptian outlet FilGoal, Al Ahly’s board rejected the Turkish proposal due to its low valuation. The club hierarchy remains committed to keeping key squad pillars unless an offer matches the 28-year-old’s tactical importance.
Konyaspor’s bid reached only $3 million—well short of Al Ahly’s valuation. Reports indicate that Al Ahly, holding Ashour under contract through June 2028, will not consider parting with the midfielder for anything less than $8 million.
Saudi Interest and Differing Transfer Reports
The move from Turkey comes on the heels of conflicting reports regarding interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah reported that Al-Ittihad offered $6 million to Al Ahly along with an annual salary of $4 million for Ashour, which was rejected as the Cairo giants held out for a larger fee.
However, Saudi publication Okaz subsequently cited an Al Ahly source denying any formal bid or direct contact from Al-Ittihad. Alternative accounts suggest the situation was limited to preliminary inquiries assessing Ashour alongside his teammate Marwan Attia, meaning a move to the Jeddah-based club remains unconfirmed.
Contract Extension Talks Hit Financial Standoff
The external interest coincides with negotiations over a contract extension for Ashour at Al Ahly:
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Current Salary: ~15 million EGP per year.
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Al Ahly’s Offer: 32 million to 33 million EGP annually (excluding commercial deals), adjusting his remaining two years and adding a two-year extension.
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Ashour’s Demand: A source close to the player revealed he is seeking over 50 million EGP per year to place him among the club’s top earners.
This significant financial gap has prevented an agreement, leaving extension talks stalled despite both sides publicly expressing a desire to continue their partnership.
Stats: From Al Ahly Milestones to 2026 World Cup Heroics
Ashour’s demands are backed by impressive performances since arriving from Danish side Midtjylland in the summer of 2023. He marked his 100th appearance for Al Ahly in April, reaching 33 goals and 21 assists by that milestone.
Despite injury setbacks last season, Ashour featured in 19 matches across all competitions, recording 2 goals and 6 assists, building on his previous campaign where he finished as the Egyptian Premier League’s top scorer.
His market value surged following an exceptional showing for Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ashour started all five matches for the Pharaohs, scoring his first two international goals—a long-range strike against Belgium and a header against Australia in the Round of 32.
His goal against Australia helped Egypt reach the Round of 16 for the first time in program history, before a narrow 3-2 elimination against Argentina. FIFA ranked Ashour 28th among the top offensive performers at the 2026 World Cup, placing him ahead of Mostafa Ziko and Mohamed Salah as Egypt’s highest-ranked attacker at the tournament.
