Al Ahly complete signing of Karim Fouad from Nogoom FC
Cairo giants Al Ahly have announced the signing of Egypt U23 international and Nogoom FC defender Karim Fouad on a five-year deal.
Fouad burst onto the scene with Nogoom FC in 2019 after being promoted to the first team at just 19 years of age.
After a promising first season, he was acquired by ENPPI on a loan deal after Nogoom got relegated. The 21-year-old became an instant starter and has made over 50 appearances since.
His impressive performances on the club and international levels caught the eyes of Al Ahly, who have been struggling at the right-back position lately after the departure of Ahmed Fathi.
Al Ahly have reportedly made earlier contacts with Fouad’s former club. Amid that, early last month, Nogoom FC president Mohamed Al-Taweelah has confirmed Karim Fouad’s transfer to Al Ahly and revealed the announcement date of the deal.
In a televised interview via Kingfut, Mohamed Al-Taweelah spoke about the reason why Al Ahly wouldn’t announce the transfer yet, and when he thinks the announcement will be.
“I do not think that Al Ahly will announce the deal within the next few days, but negotiations are going well, we agree on the main points,” Al-Taweelah revealed.
“We all preferred to take the pressure off anyone, we will hopefully announce the deal after Al Ahly CAF Champions League coronation ceremony.
“15 million pounds was the price of Karim two years ago. The player’s value can’t be the same after the player improved, joined the Olympic team, and European clubs are talking about him.
Regarding the player’s wish, Al-Taweelah said: “In the absence of European offers, Karim’s first choice in Egypt was Al Ahly.”
According to his agent, John Edward, Fouad has received many foreign offers, but the right-back preferred to join Cairo giants Al Ahly, signing a five-year deal.
“The players signed the contract after concluding all the financial and managerial issues with his club and he will join the team’s trainings during the coming few days,” read a statement released on Ahly’s official website via Ahram Online on Thursday.
Fouad, who can also be deployed at the left, becomes Al Ahly’s first summer signing, with the club expected to announce deals for Percy Tau and Luís Miquissone soon.
On the international level, Fouad was part of the Egypt team that took part in the 2021 Olympics.
He will now compete with Mohamed Hany and Akram Tawfik for the right-back position as it would be difficult for him to break into the first-team ahead of Ali Maaloul at left-back.
