Al Ahly exit could give Afsha and Omar El Saai new chance after Ben Romdhane agreement

Al Ahly are set to part company with Tunisia international Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane after reaching a final agreement with Al Shamal over his permanent transfer, a move that could improve the prospects of Mohamed Magdy Afsha and Omar El Saai at the Egyptian club.

According to exclusive information published by Africa Foot, Al Shamal have agreed all the terms required to sign the 25-year-old midfielder during the current summer transfer window.

A senior Al Ahly source told Africa Foot that the deal is now complete. Al Shamal will pay $1.7m for Ben Romdhane, bringing his time at the club to an end after only one season.

Al Ahly signed Ben Romdhane in the summer of 2025 from Hungarian club Ferencvaros. He was recruited to strengthen the midfield ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, which was held in the United States.

The Tunisia international made 31 appearances in all competitions during his only campaign with Al Ahly. He scored four goals and provided six assists, while also helping the club win the Egyptian Premier League and representing them in continental competition.

Ben Romdhane developed at the Esperance academy before establishing himself as one of the leading midfielders in the Tunisian league. His performances earned him a move to Ferencvaros, where he continued to impress in domestic and European football and retained his place in the Tunisia starting line-up.

Al Shamal believe they have secured a midfielder with significant experience and strong technical ability, qualities they expect to strengthen their squad during the upcoming season.

The Qatari club faced competition for Ben Romdhane’s signature. Qatar SC and an unnamed Libyan Premier League club had also held talks with the player in recent days, but Al Shamal completed the transfer after intensive negotiations.

Ben Romdhane’s departure could also have an effect on Afsha’s future at Al Ahly. Reports in Egypt say the club’s management has informed the player that he is expected to remain with the squad next season, following manager Hussein Ammouta’s insistence that he should stay.

Afsha is also expected to travel with the Al Ahly delegation to Spain for a pre-season training camp. That planned involvement is viewed as another indication that the midfielder is likely to continue at the club, particularly with Ben Romdhane close to leaving.

El Saai’s position, however, remains unresolved. Ammouta has requested additional time before making a final decision and is expected to announce his position within the coming hours.

The midfielder is among the Al Ahly players whose futures have attracted the most uncertainty. Al-Masry have made a strong offer to sign him permanently, while Al Ahly are also considering sending him out on loan.

Several options therefore remain open for El Saai. Ben Romdhane’s exit could nevertheless provide him with another opportunity to stay at Al Ahly, with the team potentially requiring further midfield cover. The final decision remains with Ammouta.