Al-Ittihad Revive Interest in Al Ahly Midfielder Emam Ashour
Al-Ittihad have reportedly revived their interest in Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour as the Saudi Pro League club consider strengthening their squad during the January transfer window.
According to Saudi newspaper Al Wiam, the Jeddah-based side are keen to secure the Egyptian international’s signature when the winter market opens. Ashour was previously linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, although a deal failed to materialise.
The 28-year-old has continued to attract attention following his performances for Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he reportedly scored twice, against Belgium in the group stage and Australia in the round of 32.
However, Al-Ittihad could face a significant obstacle in their pursuit of the midfielder due to the Saudi Pro League’s foreign-player registration rules.
Under the squad regulations outlined in the report, clubs can register eight foreign players alongside two players born in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ittihad have already filled their eight available foreign-player places, meaning they would need to free up a slot before completing a deal for Ashour.
Their current foreign contingent includes Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, Portuguese defender Danilo Pereira, Colombian midfielder Richard Rios, Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar, Dutch duo Georginio Wijnaldum and Steven Bergwijn, Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy and Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri.
Jan-Carlo Simic, Roger Fernandes, George Ilenikhena and Mohamed Doumbia occupy the club’s designated places for players born in Saudi Arabia.
Richard Rios could be one possible candidate to make way if Al-Ittihad decide to push ahead with their interest in Ashour. The Colombian midfielder joined on loan from Benfica but is reportedly facing up to three months on the sidelines after suffering an ankle ligament injury.
Another option would be to delay recruitment until the end of the season. Danilo Pereira, Wijnaldum and Bergwijn are among the players whose contracts are due to expire next summer, potentially allowing Al-Ittihad to restructure their squad and create room for new arrivals.
For now, Ashour’s potential move remains at the reported interest stage. Al-Ittihad must first resolve their foreign-player allocation before they can make a concrete move for the Al Ahly midfielder.
