Al Ahly Prepare Record Ashour Deal Amid Celtic Interest

CeltsAreHere understands Al Ahly are preparing to offer Emam Ashour a new contract worth in excess of 33million EGP per season as they look to keep the midfielder in Egypt.

The proposed deal would make Ashour the highest-paid player in the Al Ahly squad and shows how strongly the club want to hold on to one of their key players.

EGP 33million works out at roughly £495,000 per year, or around £9,500 per week. However, bonuses are believed to take a deal up to £15,000.

That wage would not appear to be beyond Celtic’s current structure, although any move would still depend on the transfer fee, bonuses and the player’s full package.

Celtic have checked the conditions of a possible deal for the 28-year-old as Martin O’Neill looks to strengthen his midfield ahead of the new season.

CeltsAreHere understands a transfer could be done for around £4million, which would make the deal far more realistic for Celtic than some of the higher figures previously mentioned around the player.

Ashour can play as a No.8, deeper in midfield or further forward, and also showed his ability in wider areas for Egypt during the World Cup.

He would bring experience, power and versatility, but Al Ahly’s planned contract offer makes clear they are not looking to lose him easily.

However, the door is not completely closed.

CeltsAreHere understands Al Ahly would consider allowing Ashour to leave if a strong offer arrived and if the player made clear that he wanted the move.

That gives Celtic a possible route into negotiations, but it would require more than general interest.

There is no indication at this stage that Celtic have submitted a formal bid. The club are understood to have checked the likely numbers involved, including the possible transfer fee and wage demands.

Ashour is already under contract until 2028, meaning Al Ahly are in a strong position. A new deal on improved terms would give the Egyptian club even more control over his future.

The player has previous experience in Europe after spending time with FC Midtjylland before returning to Egypt, and he would arrive at Celtic as a ready-made option rather than a long-term development signing.

At 28, the expectation would be for Ashour to make an immediate impact.

Al Ahly’s first choice is clearly to keep him, but their stance is not completely fixed. A serious offer, combined with Ashour pushing for a return to Europe, could still bring Celtic into the picture.