Al Ahly Targets Ryan Mmaee and Soufiane Benjdida as Summer Transfer Window Approaches

Key facts

• Al Ahly has made initial contact with Ryan Mmaee's representatives regarding a summer transfer.
• Mmaee's contract with Omonia Nicosia runs until June 2027.
• Soufiane Benjdida has scored 14 goals in 16 appearances for Maghreb de Fès this season.
• Maghreb Fez demands approximately $2.5 million for Benjdida.
• Benjdida prefers a move to Europe or the Saudi Pro League over the Egyptian Premier League.
• Al Ahly sits third in the Egyptian Premier League with 44 points after a 3-0 defeat to Pyramids.
• The 132nd Cairo Derby against Zamalek is scheduled for May 1 at 8:00 PM Cairo time.
• Zamalek leads the league with 50 points, three ahead of Pyramids.

Al Ahly's Search for Attacking Reinforcements

Egyptian club Al Ahly is actively pursuing attacking reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window, with Moroccan strikers Ryan Mmaee and Soufiane Benjdida emerging as primary targets. The club has initiated contact with Mmaee's camp, signaling serious intent to secure his services from Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia. However, the pursuit of Benjdida has encountered obstacles, as Maghreb de Fès has set a steep asking price and the player himself is reluctant to join the Egyptian Premier League.

Ryan Mmaee: Interest Confirmed, But Contract Hurdles Remain

Al Ahly's interest in Ryan Mmaee has been confirmed by the player's agent, who stated that Mmaee is taking the approach seriously given Al Ahly's stature as one of Africa's most prominent clubs. However, the striker is currently focused on completing his season with Omonia Nicosia and is not engaging in transfer details. Mmaee's contract extends until June 2027, meaning any deal would require robust negotiations. The agent noted that Omonia's management might agree to a departure if a suitable financial offer is received, leaving the door open for Al Ahly to submit an official offer.

Soufiane Benjdida: High Valuation and Player Preference Stymie Deal

Al Ahly's pursuit of Soufiane Benjdida has stalled after Maghreb de Fès set a demanding asking price of around $2.5 million. The club initially enquired during the winter transfer window, but negotiations did not progress. Benjdida himself is not currently open to a move to the Egyptian Premier League, instead prioritizing a transfer to Europe or the Saudi Pro League. The striker has enjoyed a standout season in Morocco's top flight, scoring 14 goals in 16 appearances, making him one of the league's most in-form forwards. His contract runs until 2028, and his market value is estimated at €1.3 million, suggesting the asking price is significantly above market rate.

Cairo Derby: Al Ahly Seeks Redemption After Heavy Defeat

Al Ahly faces a critical test on Friday, May 1, when they host Zamalek in the 132nd Cairo Derby at Cairo International Stadium, kickoff at 8:00 PM Cairo time. The match is part of the fifth round of the Egyptian Premier League title race. Al Ahly enters the fixture under pressure after a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Pyramids in the last round, which has left the team in third place with 44 points. Zamalek leads the standings with 50 points, three ahead of Pyramids, and a victory for Al Ahly is essential to revive their fading title hopes and appease angry fans.

Wider Context: Al Ahly's Domestic Struggles and Transfer Ambitions

Al Ahly's pursuit of new strikers comes amid a challenging domestic campaign. The team has fallen out of contention in the league standings, trailing leaders Zamalek by six points. The heavy defeat to Pyramids has exposed vulnerabilities in attack, prompting the club to seek reinforcements. However, the transfer market presents its own challenges: Mmaee's contract length and Benjdida's high valuation and personal preferences complicate potential deals. Al Ahly's status as a continental powerhouse may attract players, but financial and contractual realities could force the club to explore alternative options.

Outlook: What Comes Next for Al Ahly's Transfer Strategy

As the summer window approaches, Al Ahly must decide whether to meet Maghreb Fez's valuation for Benjdida or shift focus entirely to Mmaee, whose agent has indicated openness to negotiations. The club's ability to secure a top striker could determine their competitiveness in both domestic and African competitions. Meanwhile, the immediate priority is the Cairo Derby, where a win against Zamalek would not only narrow the points gap but also restore morale. The outcome of Friday's match may influence the club's transfer strategy, as a strong finish to the season could make Al Ahly a more attractive destination for potential signings.

Analysis: Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Ambitions

Al Ahly's transfer pursuits reflect a club in transition, balancing the need for immediate attacking firepower with long-term squad planning. The interest in Mmaee and Benjdida underscores a desire to add proven goal-scorers from North Africa, but the challenges highlight the complexities of the modern transfer market. With Benjdida favoring Europe and Mmaee's contract situation demanding patience, Al Ahly may need to cast a wider net. The coming weeks will reveal whether the club can secure its targets or must pivot to alternatives, all while navigating a pivotal derby that could define their season.

The bottom line

• Al Ahly is targeting Moroccan strikers Ryan Mmaee and Soufiane Benjdida for the summer transfer window.
• Mmaee's agent confirms interest, but the player's contract until 2027 and focus on his current season complicate a deal.
• Benjdida's transfer is stalled by Maghreb Fez's $2.5 million asking price and the player's preference for Europe or Saudi Arabia.
• Al Ahly sits third in the Egyptian Premier League, six points behind leaders Zamalek, after a 3-0 loss to Pyramids.
• The 132nd Cairo Derby on May 1 is a must-win for Al Ahly to stay in the title race.
• Al Ahly's transfer strategy will be influenced by their performance in the derby and the remainder of the season.