Egyptian club Al-Ahly signed a contract with Moroccan international defender Youssef Belamri from Moroccan Raja on Thursday. The contract is for three and a half seasons, with the financial details not disclosed. Belamri (27 years old) plays as a left-back, a position Al-Ahly has been looking to strengthen since the departure of Tunisian defender Ali Maalol last summer. Thus, Belamri became the fourth player that Al-Ahly has announced the signing of in the current winter transfer window. Previously, the team was joined by right-back Ahmed Eid from Masry, defender Amr Al-Jazar from Al Ahly Bank, and striker Marwan Osman on loan from Ceramica Cleopatra. Belamri was part of the Morocco squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which the hosts finished in second place after losing to Senegal in the final, but he did not play in any matches. Belamri started his career at Fath Rabat in 2017 and stayed with them until moving to Raja in 2023. The left-back has played five international matches for Morocco and was part of the 'Atlas Lions' squad that won the 2024 African Nations Championship for local clubs. He also won the Moroccan league and the Throne Cup with Raja. Belamri is the seventh Moroccan player to join Al-Ahli, following striker Walid Azharo, defender Badr Bannan, midfielder Reda Slim, left-back Yahya Attiyallah, defender Ashraf Darri, and striker Ashraf Ben Sharqi, who is currently with the team.
