Al-Ahly goalkeeper Ahmed Shobir reported that the exclusion of Moroccan winger Reda Slim from the team’s squad for today’s match against Petrol Asyut in the Capital Cup has caused surprise within the club, including among the players themselves. The match is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. local time (15:00 UTC) at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, marking the first round of the tournament’s group stage.
Surprise surrounding Reda Slim’s exclusion
Speaking on a radio broadcast Wednesday, Shobir stated that manager Hussein Ammouta’s decision to leave Slim out of the roster was unexpected. According to Shobir, the move caught the squad off guard, noting, “He surprised all of us, and he surprised the players themselves by excluding Reda Slim.” The exclusion is particularly notable because Slim participated in the team’s recent friendly match against Misr Lel Makkasa, a game Al-Ahly won 3-0. While the team included Ali Mahmoud among the international players, other Egypt national team members and Algerian player Monsef were absent due to their respective national team commitments, according to Shobir.
Questions regarding the player’s future
Shobir suggested that the decision has raised questions about Slim’s standing at the club, especially since he was anticipated to be included in the lineup. “I was surprised by the absence of Reda Slim, as I had confirmation that he was in the plans,” Shobir remarked. He questioned whether the decision was prompted by an injury, though he reported that club personnel indicated the player is fit. This has led to speculation regarding whether the exclusion reflects a lack of tactical preference from Ammouta or points toward a potential exit for the player, though Shobir emphasized that the final decision remains with the manager.
Planning for the January transfer window
Multiple reports indicate that Al-Ahly is currently evaluating its roster ahead of the January transfer window. According to Al-Ahly News and Akher News, club management has designated the upcoming international break in November as a deadline to finalize decisions on players who may depart. The goal is to reshape the squad based on the manager’s technical vision, potentially moving on from players who have struggled to secure regular playing time.
Al-Ahly News reported that right-back Ahmed Eid has requested to leave the club due to a lack of participation under Ammouta. Similarly, Gate Al-Ahram identified Reda Slim and Ahmed Eid as primary candidates for departure, noting that final decisions for Slim will depend on the nature of incoming offers and the club’s assessment of his role. Youm 7 added that, according to a source close to the player, Slim prefers a move to another Egyptian club over a return to the Moroccan league, largely due to salary considerations compared to his current contract with the Cairo-based side.
Status of the club’s roster strategy
The club is currently balancing its domestic and continental ambitions, with management coordinating with the coaching staff to identify necessary reinforcements. Regarding other squad members, Akher News noted that the club has officially addressed rumors surrounding the potential departure of Ashraf Bencharki in January, stating that the matter remains under discussion and review to serve the team’s competitive interests. Meanwhile, players such as Hady Riad are also reportedly undergoing assessment to determine if they will remain with the team for the remainder of the season.
