Al Ahly's primary transfer target was also a player from the Hungarian league. The Egyptian club sought to sign 25-year-old Algerian striker Nadhir Benbouali from Győri ETO, but the deal failed. It was reported that this development led Al Ahly to temporarily halt proceedings for another player, Nejc Gradišar. Benbouali has one cap and one goal for Algeria. He joined Győri ETO in July 2025 and is under contract until June 30, 2027. His current Transfermarkt market value is €900k.