FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH36-PORTO-AHLY
The Palestine international signed a multi-year deal with the 2024 Leagues Cup champions
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Columbus Crew has signed a new Designated Player in Wessam Abou Ahli of Al Ahly in Egypt.
The 26-year-old Palestine international cost a reported $7.5M fee and up to an additional $1M in add-ons. He joins on a contract through 2027, with an option for 2028, and will occupy a DP slot alongside Diego Rossi and Daniel Gazdag for the Eastern Conference side.
At the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer, the forward scored three goals, being one of the breakout performers of the competition.
"Wessam is a special player whose journey speaks to his resilience, character, and tireless work ethic, which are qualities we value at our club," said Crew general manager Issa Tall.
"He is a proven goal-scorer who knows what it takes to help his team win. His clinical finishing, energy, and charisma will strengthen our squad, and we are confident that he will thrive within our system."
The clock struck 9 🕘😤The Columbus Crew have acquired forward Wessam Abou Ali as a Designated Player from back-to-back Egyptian Premier League champion Al Ahly Sporting Club for an undisclosed transfer fee.📰: https://t.co/I9BoMkBlNs pic.twitter.com/gjtl3f6ax0
FC Porto v Al Ahly SC: Group A - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
THE BIGGER PICTURE
At Al Ahly, Abou Ali scored 38 goals and recorded 10 assists in 60 matches across all competitions. He won four titles with the club, including the 2023-24 CAF Champions League, and at the CWC this summer, bagged a hat-trick against FC Porto in the Group Stage.
During the 2023-24 Egyptian Premier League season, he won the Golden Boot.
Internationally, he has four goals in 10 appearances with Palestine.
"The Haslam, Johnson, and Edwards families continue to show their commitment to the club’s long-term success, including through investing in the roster, improving our facilities, and supporting our academy," Tall said. "This signing is also the result of Wilfried, Marc, and our entire soccer operations team collaborating and establishing a clear vision over many months. We’ll continue to strengthen the roster together through our One Club focus as we remain committed to contending for championships."
DID YOU KNOW?
The Crew were named MLS Cup champions in 2023, and followed it up in 2024 with a CONCACAF Champions Cup final appearance, and a Leagues Cup title. With Abou Ali added to their ranks, they'll now look to secure a piece of silverware for the third-straight season.
Abou Ali
WHAT NEXT?
The Crew report to the pitch Tuesday evening for their Leagues Cup opener, when they take on Toluca. The match will serve as the first chance for Abou Ali to debut for the club.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
