Al Ahly sign Badr Banoun form Raja Casablanca and beating Zamalek and Esperance to Algerian star Youcef Belaili
African powerhouse Al Ahly are close to completing deals for Badr Banoun from Raja Casablanca and Youcef Belaili from Al Ahli according to a report from KickOff.
The Cairo based side have had mixed experience in this summer’s transfer window. And while they have lost Ramadan Sobhi to league rivals Pyramids, Weiler’s side have announced transfer of Mohamed Taher of Arab Contractors.
It’s understood that Ahly won’t rest in the transfer market, planning to dominate African football again having now been outclassed by fellows Esperance de Tunis, TP Mazembe and Zamalek in CAF Inter Club competitions in recent times.
Hunting for only the best players has become necessary this summer, and in light, the Egyptian side saw bids for Gaston Sirino and Jackson Muleka in May rejected by Mamelodi Sundowns and Mazembe respectively.
Beginning of this month, Weiler reportedly asked Ahly officials to sign him a defender and that has been accomplished so far as it stands after Raja Casablanca centre-back Badr Banoun signing a three-year contract at the Red Devils last Monday.
Banoun, who made his International debut for Morocco in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Gabon replacing Medhi Benatia, has lifted five major titles, including the CAF Confederation Cup, Super Cup and Botola Pro League during stay with Raja Casablanca.
Now, it appears former Esperance ace Youcef Belaili is the latest player the 8 times CAF Champions League winners will sign this summer after Ahly reaching advanced stage of negotiations with Saudi Arabia giants Al Ahli.
Belaili meanwhile was a household name in Esperance setup between 2017/2019, helping them to clinch two Champions League titles and won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations before joining Alhi in a R60m transfer.
The Algerian International has struggled to adapt life in his current club, providing only 3 assists and 3 goals in 15 games in all competition.
He is understood to move back to Africa where Zamalek, Esperance, Wydad Athletic Club and Ahly are battling for his signature but the latest are now leading the race for the winger claimed by his agent.
According to his father, who also doubles as Balailli’s agent, the move is already 50 percent done between Ahly and Ahli, and the deal could be announced very soon.
Speaking to Al Nahar, he confirmed that Esperance had enquired about a return but Ahly is the most likely move while adding:
“We have been in contact with someone from Zamalek. But talks stalled. The same happened with Pyramids.
“Al Ahly is the most serious team about making a deal. And Youcef is welcome to join them. But an agreement between clubs is required.”
According to Al Mountakhab, the price has been set at R80m, which if the deal is completed takes Ahly’s spending to R120m.
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