Who Is Celtic Target Emam Ashour?

A new name has emerged on Celtic’s midfield shortlist, and it is one that could represent smart business if the club decide to push ahead.

As reported by Mark Hendry for CeltsAreHere, Celtic are in the market for midfield reinforcements, with Egyptian international Emam Ashour under consideration.

There is said to be interest from Saudi Arabia and England.

Ashour arrives with an impressive CV. The 28-year-old represented Egypt at this summer’s World Cup and caught the eye with a series of influential displays.

The midfielder has earned 34 senior caps for his country and opened his international goalscoring account during the tournament.

He gave Egypt the lead against Belgium in the group stage before finding the net again in the Round of 32 against Australia. Egypt eventually progressed after a penalty shootout.

His performances did not go unnoticed either. Ashour finished as the highest-ranked Egyptian player in the FIFA World Cup power rankings, underlining the impact he made on the biggest stage.

Primarily a number eight, Ashour also has the discipline to drop deeper when required. That versatility is something Celtic could certainly use as they look to strengthen the middle of the park.

He also showed another side to his game during the World Cup, spending time on the wing for Egypt despite operating mainly through the centre at club level.

Ashour is currently with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, although the club missed out on the league title last season. He remains under contract until 2028, leaving Al Ahly in a strong negotiating position.

Even so, it is understood a deal worth around £4 million could be enough to tempt the Egyptian side into doing business.

His creative numbers remain encouraging. Ashour registered six assists in 19 appearances last season across all competitions.

Looking back to the 2024/25 campaign, his output was even more impressive, producing 19 goals and nine assists in 40 appearances.

There is already some European experience on his record.

Ashour joined Danish side FC Midtjylland in January 2023 but spent only six months there, making seven appearances and scoring twice.

His spell in Denmark came during a period of change. Manager Albert Capellas, who brought him to the club, departed shortly afterwards, and Ashour struggled to settle. Capellas later said the midfielder required “special care” because of the cultural adjustment, while injury also disrupted his progress.

It would be unfair to define Ashour by that brief spell. However, it is worth considering that a potential culture shock may have played a part in Ashour struggling to adapt to life in Denmark.

Since returning to Egypt, he has rebuilt his reputation, and his World Cup displays have only strengthened it further.

At 28, he would not fit the mould of a long-term project signing. Instead, Celtic would be bringing in a player expected to contribute immediately, both domestically and in Europe.

Midfield remains an area that needs strengthening before the new campaign gathers pace. If Ashour is genuinely on Celtic’s radar, his performances this summer mean there may not be much time to make a move before interest elsewhere grows.