Hussein Ammouta blocks Al Ahly move for Nantes defender Ali Youssef

Hussein Ammouta has rejected the proposed signing of Nantes defender Ali Youssef, signalling an early decision over Al Ahly’s defensive plans for the summer transfer window.

The 56-year-old Moroccan was appointed Al Ahly’s new head coach and has now made clear that he is not convinced by the prospect of bringing the Libya international to the Egyptian club.

Ali Youssef had been under consideration as a possible addition to Al Ahly’s defence, with the club looking at options to strengthen the back line before the new season. However, Ammouta has decided against pursuing the deal, effectively ending the player’s chances of joining the Cairo-based side this summer.

The decision was reported by Moroccan outlet Le360 Sport, which said Ammouta did not show enthusiasm for completing the proposed transfer. According to the report, Youssef was highly receptive to the possibility of moving to Al Ahly, but the manager did not believe the deal was the right one for his new project.

That stance has significantly reduced the likelihood of the defender wearing the Al Ahly shirt during the current transfer window. The club’s interest in the player had attracted attention internally, but Ammouta’s assessment has closed the door on the move for now.

Ammouta’s appointment marks the beginning of a new managerial era at Al Ahly. He succeeds Danish coach Yess Thorup, who previously led the first team, and will take charge of the club as it prepares for a demanding 2025-26 campaign.

Al Ahly’s schedule for the new season includes the Egyptian Premier League, the Egypt Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup. Ammouta will therefore be expected to shape a squad capable of competing on both domestic and continental fronts, with decisions over recruitment forming an important part of his preparations.

The Moroccan coach arrives with a strong record across international and club football. He guided Morocco’s local-based national team to notable achievements and has also managed several prominent Arab clubs.

His previous club appointments include Wydad AC in Morocco, Al Sadd in Qatar and Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates. Ammouta has also taken charge of the Jordan national team, adding international experience to a coaching career that has included success in several different football environments.

He now begins a fresh challenge with Al Ahly, but his first clear transfer decision has already had an immediate impact: Ali Youssef is no longer viewed as part of the club’s plans to reinforce its defence this summer.