Achraf Bencharki’s Al Ahly Future Uncertain as Pyramids Consider Free Transfer
Achraf Bencharki’s next move is becoming a major talking point in Egyptian football, with his Al Ahly contract due to expire at the end of the current season. The Morocco international has yet to agree to fresh terms, leaving the door open to a potential departure—and reports indicate that domestic rivals Pyramids are monitoring the situation ahead of a possible free transfer.
For Al Ahly, the decision is not simply about keeping a productive attacker. It also involves balancing the club’s wage structure, assessing Bencharki’s importance to the squad and deciding whether a new deal makes sense for the team’s longer-term plans. Until negotiations formally progress, his future remains unresolved.
Renewal Talks Await Other Contract Decisions
Egyptian media figure Seif Zaher says Al Ahly is expected to address Bencharki’s contract after settling the renewal situation involving Mohamed Hany. That sequence could delay a clear answer for the Moroccan forward, even as the season moves toward its decisive stages.
“Al Ahly will move to open the file on renewing Achraf Bencharki’s contract after settling the Mohamed Hany file, in order to determine the Moroccan player’s position and the possibility of his continuing with the team in the coming period,” Zaher said.
The timing matters. Clubs often prioritise contract decisions based on squad needs, budgets and the number of players approaching the end of their deals. If Al Ahly waits too long to make an offer, Bencharki could have more freedom to consider alternatives. Conversely, the club may want to complete other negotiations before deciding how much room it has to improve or restructure his terms.
Salary Gap Could Shape the Transfer Prediction
One of the central obstacles appears to be salary. Zaher said Al Ahly generally keeps foreign players’ annual wages within a range of approximately $900,000 to $1.1 million, while Bencharki is currently earning more than that reported ceiling.
That difference could make a renewal difficult unless one side is willing to compromise. Al Ahly may seek to bring his salary closer to its established limits, while the player and his representatives may judge a new contract against the value he believes he can command elsewhere. Bonuses, signing payments, contract length and performance incentives could all become part of the discussion.
As a result, any transfer prediction should be treated cautiously. Bencharki’s contract situation makes a move possible, but it does not mean an exit is inevitable. A renewed agreement could still be reached if Al Ahly considers his contribution worth the financial adjustment—or if both sides find a structure that meets their priorities.
Pyramids Reportedly Ready to Pursue the Forward
Pyramids are understood to be interested in signing Bencharki for next season, potentially without paying a transfer fee if his Al Ahly contract expires. Media personality Karim Hassan Shehata previously said he had heard from a reliable source at the club that Pyramids wanted to bring in the attacker on a free transfer.
“I learned from a reliable source at Pyramids that the club wishes to sign Achraf Bencharki, starting from next season in a free transfer,” Shehata said.
A free transfer would not mean a move came at no cost. Pyramids would still need to negotiate the player’s salary, signing bonus, contract duration and any other personal terms. However, avoiding a transfer fee could give the club more flexibility to offer an attractive package, particularly if it views Bencharki as a player capable of strengthening its attack immediately.
The possibility of a switch between two prominent Egyptian clubs would also add a competitive edge to the story. If Pyramids make a formal approach, Al Ahly may need to move quickly to clarify whether Bencharki remains part of its plans. The prospect of losing an experienced attacker to a domestic rival could influence the club’s calculations.
Strong Form Strengthens Bencharki’s Position
Zaher described Bencharki as being in one of his strongest spells at Al Ahly, pointing to the form he has shown for the team. That assessment helps explain why his contract has become a significant issue: a player performing well may be harder to replace, especially when the club is competing across domestic and continental competitions.
For Bencharki, strong performances also improve his position in negotiations. His value is not limited to goals or assists; experience, versatility and familiarity with the club’s environment can make him an important option within a demanding schedule. If he continues to contribute consistently, interest from Pyramids—or other potential suitors—could become more concrete.
At the same time, Al Ahly will have to consider the wider squad. A decision to renew one player’s contract can affect the club’s ability to retain others, recruit new signings or maintain its internal wage structure. The challenge is to weigh Bencharki’s current impact against the financial and sporting consequences of a new deal.
What Happens Next?
The most important developments to watch are whether Al Ahly begins formal renewal talks, whether the club is prepared to adjust its salary offer and whether Pyramids move from reported interest to direct negotiations. The Mohamed Hany contract situation may also influence when Al Ahly turns its attention to Bencharki.
For now, the clearest prediction is that uncertainty will continue until the club and player establish their respective positions. Bencharki’s contract expiry creates a potential opening for a free transfer, and Pyramids have reportedly shown interest. But his strong form gives Al Ahly a reason to pursue a renewal, provided the two sides can bridge the financial gap.
Whether the Moroccan forward stays in Cairo with Al Ahly or considers a move to Pyramids, the outcome could become one of the most closely followed contract stories of the Egyptian season. Until an agreement is announced, both a renewal and a summer departure remain possible.
