Al Ahly’s January Transfer Plans Focus on a Defensive Midfielder and Centre-Back
Al Ahly are expected to concentrate their winter transfer business on two areas: defensive midfield and central defence. Reports from Egypt suggest the Cairo club are weighing up a move for Maghreb Fes midfielder Oussama Nour Eddine, while also monitoring several centre-backs as they assess how best to strengthen their squad.
The potential recruitment drive comes as the Egyptian champions look to balance immediate needs with longer-term squad planning. Although Al Ahly are not said to be pursuing a wide-ranging overhaul, adding depth in key defensive positions could give the coaching staff more options during a demanding stretch of domestic and continental football.
Amouta reportedly wants Nour Eddine
Egyptian journalist Abdel Hakim Abu Alam said on the On Sport programme that head coach Hossein Amouta has asked the club’s board to consider signing Nour Eddine in January. The midfielder, who plays for Moroccan side Maghreb Fes, is reportedly viewed as a candidate for the number six role—the position responsible for shielding the defence, winning possession and helping launch attacks from deep.
However, interest does not yet appear to have developed into formal negotiations. Abu Alam said Al Ahly have not contacted Nour Eddine or approached Maghreb Fes’s board. That distinction matters: a player being discussed internally is not the same as a transfer bid being prepared, and several factors—including the Moroccan club’s valuation, the player’s contract and Al Ahly’s budget—could shape any eventual approach.
There is also reported uncertainty within the club about whether to recruit another defensive midfielder at all. Abu Alam described Al Ahly as unenthusiastic about signing in that position, despite Amouta’s reported preference for Nour Eddine. The January transfer decision may therefore depend on whether the coach can persuade the board that a specialist number six is a priority rather than an optional addition.
Centre-back recruitment remains on the agenda
Central defence is the other position Al Ahly are expected to target. Abu Alam said the club want to add a centre-back even if Ashraf Dari stays fit and continues to perform well. The reported plan is not necessarily a reflection on Dari’s contribution; instead, it points to a desire for greater competition, cover and flexibility across the back line.
Al Ahly are also said to be considering an under-age defender as part of their recruitment options. Bringing in a younger player could offer a different kind of value: a prospect who can develop within the squad, provide depth and potentially become an important first-team option over time. For a club competing on several fronts, that approach may help address both immediate availability and future succession planning.
According to Abu Alam, names linked with the centre-back position in the media have been presented to the technical staff, with two notable exceptions. Players from Zed and Al Ahly Bank are reportedly not being considered because Al Ahly believe those clubs demand excessive fees. That stance suggests the club are weighing value carefully and may be reluctant to enter negotiations they consider financially unrealistic.
Three defenders reportedly under close watch
Abu Alam identified Ittihad defender Mostafa Ibrahim, Modern Sport’s Mohamed Sharkia and ENPPI’s Nour Ashraf as players attracting particular attention. Their inclusion in the discussion does not confirm that Al Ahly have made offers or opened talks. Rather, it indicates that the club’s recruitment team may be assessing domestic options alongside other names circulating in the press.
Monitoring several candidates can help a club compare playing styles, experience, age and cost before making a move. A centre-back’s suitability is not determined by reputation alone: Al Ahly will also need to consider how a potential signing fits the defensive system, whether he can adapt quickly and how he would compete for minutes with the existing squad.
What the transfer prediction means for Al Ahly
The current Al Ahly transfer prediction is therefore focused rather than expansive. A centre-back appears to be the clearer recruitment priority, while the defensive-midfield search remains less certain because of the reported difference between Amouta’s preference and the club’s level of enthusiasm. The situation could change as January approaches, particularly if injuries, player departures or negotiations elsewhere alter the squad’s needs.
For supporters, the key indicators will be whether Al Ahly make contact with Maghreb Fes, which centre-back candidates progress beyond internal assessment and whether the club can agree a fee that fits its expectations. Until those steps occur, Nour Eddine and the defenders mentioned in reports should be viewed as potential targets—not confirmed arrivals.
Al Ahly’s approach reflects the careful calculations common to a winter window. Clubs must strengthen without disrupting a settled squad, and they often face limited time to negotiate with selling teams. If the reports prove accurate, the Red Devils will aim to improve their defensive depth while keeping their spending focused on positions the coaching staff believes can make a meaningful difference.
