Al Ahly striker Wessam Abou Ali seals move to MLS in big-money deal

Egyptian giants Al Ahly have officially agreed to transfer their star striker Wessam Abou Ali to Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew. The deal was finalized after Al Ahly’s recruitment department completed all formalities and signed the contract with the MLS governing body in line with the league’s official procedures.

According to reports, the deal is valued at $7.5 million, with performance-related add-ons that could raise the total fee to $9.5 million. Abou Ali has already passed his medical, and his new club, Columbus Crew announced the deal officially.

The 26-year-old forward joined Al Ahly in January 2024 and made an immediate impact. Despite arriving mid-season, he went on to finish as the top scorer of the Egyptian Premier League with 18 goals, showcasing his clinical finishing in the box.

His current season has been equally impressive, netting 19 goals and providing 4 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. One of his most memorable moments came during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage, where he scored a hat-trick against FC Porto in a thrilling 4-4 draw.

Abou Ali’s final days at Al Ahly were not without drama. Tensions reportedly rose as the player pushed for an exit, while the club initially rejected an early offer due to unsatisfactory financial terms as reported earlier by Pan Africa Football.

The player was excluded from Al Ahly’s current training camp in Tunisia in a disciplinary decision from the club. The decision comes after Wessam failed to attend scheduled medical examinations, physical assessments, and imaging tests. Additionally, the player has reportedly missed training sessions and treatment appointments without obtaining prior permission.

Later, the player apologized for what he did, then a breakthrough was eventually reached with Columbus Crew, allowing the transfer to move forward.

Wessam Abou Ali leaves Cairo as one of the most prolific strikers in recent memory for the Red Devils, and he now has a new challenge in the United States.