Al Ahly football director clarifies truth about Thorup’s transfer decisions

Al Ahly’s Director of Football, Walid Salah El-Din, revealed the truth about reports claiming that head coach Jess Thorup requested the departure or signing of certain players. Speaking to Al Ahly TV, he addressed some key issues regarding the team’s upcoming camp in the UAE and the injury situation within the squad.

Walid Salah said:

“Emam Ashour’s travel to the UAE? This is a joint decision with Jes Thorup. We will take all the players with us to the UAE.”

Al Ahly football director added:

“This decision has nothing to do with a specific player. We don’t want the injured players to be away from us for a long period — eight days. Everything will be there, including the medical, recovery, and rehabilitation staff, so we will take the whole squad, including the injured players.”

Regarding Zizo’s injury during the Petrojet match, he said:

“Tomorrow, Friday, we will determine the status of the injured players. Imam Ashour will return to training loads gradually. Sherif, El Shahat, and Dari are continuing their treatment.”

Walid continued:

“God willing, Zizo’s issue will just be normal fatigue because, honestly, God help Al Ahly’s players — there are no fewer than 15 or 16 international call-ups among them: Egypt’s first and second national teams, in addition to Dieng, Gradisar, Ben Romdhane, Dari, and Bencharki. None of them have had any real rest.”

On rumors that Thorup requested the departure of Ahmed Ramadan Beckham and Achraf Dari, he said:

“Most of what’s written on websites is not true. Nothing published today is accurate. Whenever we draw or lose, 100% of the news that comes out is false.”

Al Ahly football director explained:

“Thorup did not request the departure of Ahmed Ramadan, nor has he specified any positions that he wants to strengthen — that’s completely untrue. He didn’t hold any meeting with me or anyone else today; the team is on a day off.”

He added:

“The talk about Achraf Dari leaving is just speculation with no basis in truth. It’s too early to talk about January transfers. He’s a good defender, regularly called up by the Moroccan national team, and we trust him to return well, God willing. Anything people are talking about is postponed until January.”

Walid Salah El-Din concluded:

“All the talk about certain players leaving or signing new ones is completely untrue.”

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