Al Ahly has embarked on an ambitious and proactive strategy as it prepares for the upcoming season, driven by the club's management desire to revamp the team's attacking line with impactful signings that can make a significant difference both domestically and on the continental stage. Recent performances have underscored the urgent need for a forward who possesses both speed and the ability to finish effectively in front of goal.
In this context, the attention within the red fortress has shifted towards the Moroccan league, specifically honing in on Sofiane Benjdida, a striker for Maghreb de Fès. His name has emerged as a hot topic in Al Ahly's transfer discussions over the past few days, with intensive efforts spearheaded by Sayed Abdel-Hafiz in collaboration with Tunisian scout Anis Boujelbane.
Reliable sources have disclosed that Sayed Abdel-Hafiz has instructed Anis Boujelbane, who is a leading candidate for the role of scouting director at Al Ahly, to travel to Morocco to negotiate directly for the acquisition of Benjdida. Al Ahly's management believes that conventional negotiation methods may not suffice, given the interest from multiple clubs in securing the player's signature. Consequently, Boujelbane has been tasked with a special mission aimed at bridging the gap with Maghreb de Fès and reaching a final agreement before the competition for the player's signature intensifies.
Boujelbane enjoys significant trust from the Al Ahly administration due to his extensive connections in Maghreb football, combined with his previous experience and deep understanding of the Moroccan market. This has led the management to rely on him for one of the most anticipated attacking signings of the season. Al Ahly is not merely searching for a new striker; they are seeking a player who embodies distinct qualities that align with the team's vision for the forthcoming season, particularly as they aim to construct a squad characterized by greater speed and attacking effectiveness.
According to the club's tactical assessment, Sofiane Benjdida possesses several attributes that have propelled him to the forefront of potential signings. These include his continuous movement within the penalty area, his ability to perform under pressure, and a versatility in offensive solutions, whether it be scoring goals or creating opportunities. The 25-year-old Moroccan player also boasts European professional experience, having played in the Belgian league with Standard Liège and Brussels before returning to Morocco with Maghreb de Fès. This background provides him with an edge in terms of mental and tactical readiness.
The red administration is confident that the player still has ample room for development, aligning with Al Ahly's current strategy of acquiring players who can be invested in both technically and commercially. However, despite the strong push from Al Ahly, the deal does not appear to be straightforward. There is growing interest from Gulf clubs, particularly from the Saudi and Qatari leagues, alongside the formidable challenge posed by Pyramids FC, which has also entered the race to sign the player.
Al Ahly's management is wary of repeating past scenarios where significant deals slipped away at the last moment due to substantial financial offers. Consequently, they are keen to act swiftly and finalize an agreement before the financial demands escalate. Pyramids FC's interest in Benjdida adds an extra layer of pressure, especially since the blue club has become a direct competitor to Al Ahly in the transfer market in recent years, bolstered by its considerable financial capabilities to vie for top talents.
The primary hurdle in this negotiation is the financial expectation from Maghreb de Fès, with reports indicating that the player's release clause stands at around $3.5 million—a figure that Al Ahly management considers excessive. Conversely, the club has set a financial ceiling of approximately $2 million to complete the transfer, with the potential for additional bonuses tied to participation rates or championship achievements to help reconcile the differences in valuation.
Al Ahly's administration hopes to leverage the player's desire to engage in a more significant continental experience to help alleviate the financial demands, especially since the club consistently competes in the African Champions League and the Club World Cup, providing the player with a platform to showcase his talents on a larger stage.
As reported by elbalad.news.
