Al Ahly is preparing for a significant structural overhaul of its foreign contingent as the current campaign draws to a close. In a move aimed at refining the squad’s tactical identity, the Cairo giants have reportedly decided that four foreign players currently on loan will not be returning to the club this summer.
The decision, which signals a clear intent to refresh the roster, comes as the team prepares for its final fixture of the 2025-2026 Egyptian Premier League season against Al Masry. This strategic pivot suggests that the club is not merely looking to fill slots, but is seeking specific profiles to elevate the team’s performance in both domestic and continental competitions.
According to sports journalist Ibrahim Fayek on his program “Al Koura Ma’a Fayek,” the administration has reached a final consensus: none of the four loaned foreign professionals have a place in the first-team squad for the upcoming season. The club is now shifting its focus toward securing permanent sales or reaching mutually agreeable settlements to facilitate their permanent departures.
This sweeping change underscores a broader effort by the management to optimize the foreign player quota, ensuring that every international signing provides maximum value to the technical staff’s vision for the next cycle.
The Four Departures: A Breakdown of the Exodus
The players affected by this decision represent various positions and backgrounds, reflecting a comprehensive reassessment of the squad’s needs. Each has spent the recent period gaining experience in different leagues, but the club has concluded that their paths no longer align with the Red Devils’ long-term goals.
Among those exiting is Achraf Dari, who moved to the Swedish side Kalmar FF during the final stages of the transfer window. Joining him in the departure list is Moroccan winger Reda Slimani, who returned to AS FAR in Morocco for the remainder of the current season.
The list also includes Slovenian Nejc Gradisar, who joined the Hungarian club Újpest during the winter window, and Mohamed Daoui Kristo, who has been spending his loan spell with Tunisia’s Étoile du Sahel. The club’s stance is firm: the objective is now a permanent transition away from Cairo for all four individuals.
| Player | Current Loan Club | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Achraf Dari | Kalmar FF | Sweden |
| Reda Slimani | AS FAR | Morocco |
| Nejc Gradisar | Újpest | Hungary |
| Mohamed Daoui Kristo | Étoile du Sahel | Tunisia |
Tactical Reset and the Summer Mercato
The decision that الأهلي يقرر رحيل 4 لاعبين في الصيف is not an isolated move but part of a calculated strategy to create space for new international signings. By clearing these four slots, the technical staff gains the flexibility to scout and recruit players who specifically address the current gaps in the squad’s depth and quality.
The timing of these decisions is critical. Al Ahly is currently utilizing its final preparations to maintain momentum, including recent friendly matches to keep the squad sharp. The team recently secured a 2-0 victory over Delphi, a result that served as a final tune-up before the season’s conclusion.
📸 لقطات من فوز فريقنا على دلفي بهدفين دون مقابل وديًا اليوم.. استعدادًا لمواجهة المصري في الدوري 🦅 pic.twitter.com/AGsls8ZN4u— النادي الأهلي (@AlAhly) May 14, 2026
Beyond the immediate departures, the club is expected to enter the Al Ahly official portal and the wider Egyptian transfer market with a clear mandate: quality over quantity. The goal is to integrate professionals who can make an immediate impact on the pitch, reducing the reliance on long-term adaptation periods.
The Road to the Season Finale
As the club settles its internal affairs, the immediate priority remains the pitch. The upcoming clash with Al Masry marks the end of the 2025-2026 league journey, and the administration intends to use the period immediately following the final whistle to finalize all pending transfer files.
For the fans, this period of transition often brings a mix of uncertainty and excitement. While seeing players depart is always a point of discussion, the promise of a “rearranged” squad often signals an ambitious leap forward. The management’s willingness to let go of established names suggests a high level of confidence in their scouting network and the ability to find superior replacements.
The process of finalizing these departures will likely involve intense negotiations over the coming weeks, as the club seeks to maximize the financial returns from the sales of the four foreign players while ensuring the transitions are seamless for all parties involved.
The next definitive checkpoint for the club will be the official announcement of the new squad list and the unveiling of new foreign signings, which typically follows the conclusion of the Egyptian Football Association sanctioned transfer window. Until then, the focus remains on closing the current season on a high note.
What are your thoughts on Al Ahly’s decision to move on from these four players? Let us know in the comments or share this story with fellow fans to start the conversation.
