Al-Ittihad’s Imam Ashour Interest Divides Club as Saudi Transfer Talk Grows
Reports linking Egyptian midfielder Imam Ashour with a move from Al-Ahly to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad have sparked fresh debate about the player’s future. But despite growing speculation around a possible switch to the Roshn League, the Jeddah club has yet to reach a clear position on whether to pursue a deal.
A source inside Al-Ittihad told Kooora that opinion is divided within the club. Some decision-makers believe Ashour could strengthen the midfield, while others have concerns about his readiness and whether he would suit the team’s requirements. For now, the transfer remains a possibility rather than a confirmed move, with key questions still to be answered.
Injury situation adds urgency to midfield discussion
Supporters of the proposed signing point to Al-Ittihad’s need for additional options in midfield, particularly following Richard Rios’s injury. Ashour’s energy, ability to carry the ball and experience in high-pressure matches could make him an appealing candidate if the club decides it needs reinforcement.
However, interest from a club is not the same as a completed transfer. Any decision is expected to depend heavily on the assessment of head coach Jens Vesing. The coach will need to determine whether Ashour’s qualities match the team’s tactical approach, how quickly he could adapt and whether he would address a specific weakness in the squad.
That evaluation matters because a high-profile signing can bring both opportunity and risk. Al-Ittihad would be weighing Ashour’s potential contribution against the cost of a transfer, the demands of the Saudi Pro League and the need to maintain balance across the squad. The club may also consider whether its current midfielders can cover the position until Rios returns.
Why some Al-Ittihad officials remain cautious
Those wary of the move have reportedly raised questions about Ashour’s lifestyle, match readiness and the recent controversies surrounding him. These concerns do not necessarily rule out a transfer, but they could lead Al-Ittihad to seek more information before making a formal approach.
For any prospective signing, clubs commonly assess more than technical ability. They examine fitness, consistency, professionalism, injury history and the player’s capacity to handle a new environment. A move from Egyptian football to Saudi Arabia would also bring different expectations, intense attention and pressure to deliver quickly.
That scrutiny is especially relevant for a player arriving at a club with significant ambitions. If Al-Ittihad pursue Ashour, the coaching staff would need a clear plan for his role and integration. Without that clarity, even a talented midfielder could struggle to meet expectations or displace established players.
Al-Ahly’s valuation could complicate a potential sale
The transfer question is not solely in Al-Ittihad’s hands. Al-Ahly would also have to decide whether to sell, and at what price. The source’s account suggests the Egyptian club could face a difficult valuation decision, with Ashour’s market value potentially declining in the coming period.
A falling valuation could create a dilemma. Al-Ahly may be reluctant to accept a fee below what it considers appropriate, while interested clubs could be unwilling to meet a higher asking price. If the gap between the two sides is too wide, negotiations might stall even if Al-Ittihad’s coaching staff approve the player.
The timing of any offer would therefore be important. Al-Ahly must weigh the financial return against Ashour’s role in its plans, while Al-Ittihad would need to decide whether the midfielder represents good value compared with other available options. Contract details, wages and the structure of a possible deal could all shape the outcome.
Transfer prediction: interest is real, but a move is far from certain
At this stage, the most reasonable football prediction is that Ashour’s future remains open. The reported split within Al-Ittihad suggests the club has not yet agreed on whether the benefits outweigh the concerns. A positive technical recommendation from Vesing could strengthen the case for a move, but it would not automatically resolve questions over price or personal readiness.
On the other hand, if the coach decides that Ashour is not the right fit—or if Al-Ahly’s valuation proves too high—the Saudi transfer link could fade without a formal bid. The coming period may reveal whether the rumours develop into negotiations or remain speculation driven by Al-Ittihad’s midfield needs.
For Al-Ahly, the decision involves more than reacting to outside interest. The club must consider whether Ashour can continue to contribute on the pitch and whether selling him now would serve its long-term sporting and financial interests. For Al-Ittihad, the priority is to identify a midfielder who can improve the team immediately while fitting its tactical and dressing-room requirements.
Until those questions are settled, no outcome should be treated as guaranteed. Ashour could become a target for the Saudi side, remain with Al-Ahly or attract interest from elsewhere. What is clear is that the reported link has opened a wider debate about squad planning, player valuation and the growing movement of talent between Egyptian football and the Saudi Pro League.
