According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah in a report carried by Arab Times, Al-Ittihad proposed a $10 million package that combined a $6 million transfer fee with a $4 million annual salary for the Egyptian international. The offer arrived as the Saudi club aims to reinforce its midfield during the current transfer window. Al Ahly officials responded that Ashour holds greater value to their squad and declined to entertain the bid. Transfer records show Ashour moved to Al Ahly from Midtjylland in July 2023.
The Arab Times report detailed that Al Ahly invested around $6 million overall to acquire and retain Ashour since 2023, including an approximate $3 million transfer fee paid to the Danish club and nearly $3 million in wages across three seasons. That commitment has positioned the 28-year-old as a regular contributor in both the Egyptian Premier League and African competitions. Transfermarkt data from May 2026 places Ashour’s market value at €4 million. The club therefore sees no incentive to accept an offer that aligns closely with its past outlay.
Ashour currently earns an estimated $315,000 per year at Al Ahly, a figure that would have risen more than twelvefold under the terms proposed by Al-Ittihad. The report noted the significant salary uplift as part of the rejected package. Al Ahly’s stance reflects a broader policy of retaining core players who have delivered consistent performances since joining. Ashour has accumulated 34 caps and two goals for Egypt’s national team according to national federation tallies.
Discussions over Ashour also brought another Al Ahly midfielder, Marwan Attia, to Al-Ittihad’s attention as a potential alternative target. The Saudi side has monitored Attia’s progress in recent matches for the Cairo club. Al Ahly has not commented publicly on any approach concerning Attia. Such dual interest underscores Al-Ittihad’s effort to recruit from established African champions.
Emam Ashour began his career at Zamalek before stints in Denmark and his return to Egypt, where he has recorded multiple goals and assists for Al Ahly in league and cup fixtures. Sofascore statistics show the midfielder maintaining average ratings above 7.0 in several recent months of domestic play. His contract with Al Ahly runs until June 2028. The player’s versatility across central and attacking midfield roles has made him a key asset in Al Ahly’s title challenges.
Saudi Pro League clubs have pursued Egyptian talent in previous windows, with several high-profile moves reshaping regional transfer patterns. Al Ahly, one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, has historically resisted sales of its established internationals unless valuations far exceed acquisition costs. The July 20 rejection aligns with that approach and leaves Ashour available for Al Ahly’s upcoming fixtures. No further negotiations were indicated in the published reports.
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