Amid tense contract extension negotiations with Al Ahly over financial disagreements, the representative for 28-year-old Egyptian central midfielder Emam Ashour has started to explore the Saudi market. The club offered an annual salary of approximately 25 million Egyptian pounds plus 10 million in bonuses, which the player considered unsatisfactory. Consequently, the representative has proposed Ashour's profile to Al Shabab and Al Feiha. The player's representatives do not necessarily expect an offer reaching the 10 million dollar reference amount previously set by Al Ahly for a potential deal with Al Ittihad, as the Saudi market has changed with major clubs having already made key signings. Ashour, whose contract is valid until June 2028, is not currently interested in moving to Qatar or the UAE, making Saudi Arabia the primary alternative if discussions with Al Ahly fail. Several British clubs, including West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Celtic, have also been associated with the player.