The past hours have witnessed exciting developments in the transfer market, as Al-Ittihad hit a decisive stance from Al-Ahly of Egypt's management, which refused to part with one of its most prominent stars despite the large financial offer, dealing a strong blow to the Saudi club's efforts to bolster its squad before the start of the new season.

The Saudi newspaper 'Al-Riyadiya' revealed that Al-Ittihad opened negotiations with Al-Ahly to sign midfielder Emam Ashour during the current summer transfer window, making an initial offer worth $6 million to the club, along with an annual salary for the player of up to $4 million.

The newspaper added that Al-Ahly's management rejected the offer, insisting on obtaining a larger financial compensation if they consider selling the player, especially since he is one of the team's key pillars. The club had signed him in July 2023 from the Danish club Midtjylland for about $3 million.

The newspaper pointed out that Emam Ashour currently earns an annual salary estimated at about $315,000 with Al-Ahly, which makes the financial offer from Al-Ittihad very tempting for the player, but the club's management stance prevented the deal from being completed.

In the same context, Al-Riyadiya clarified that the name of midfielder Marwan Attia also entered Al-Ittihad's interest, following the start of negotiations regarding Emam Ashour. The players' agent, who handles the files of both players, presented Marwan's name to the Saudi club's officials to study the possibility of signing him.

According to the report, Al-Ahly received an offer worth $3.5 million to release Marwan Attia, in addition to an annual salary for the player of $2.5 million, while he currently earns about $257,000 annually with Al-Ahly.

The newspaper concluded its report by confirming that the chances of Marwan Attia leaving Al-Ahly appear very limited during the current transfer window, given the club's management's insistence on keeping the player, despite the financial offer he received.