Just few hours after announcing his contract renewal, Ahly announced early on Wednesday that star playmaker Abdallah El-Said has been put on the market without disclosing further details.
"The football committee asked the marketing sector to start negotiations to sell Abdallah El-Said or to send him out on loan amid the offers that reached Ahly from clubs outside Egypt," Ahly s football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz was quoted as saying by the club s official website.
After protracted negotiations, the veteran playmaker was reportedly close to make a shocking move to cross-town rivals Zamalek, but the Egyptian champions Ahly managed to tie him to a new deal on Tuesday before taking the sudden selling decision in just less than a half day.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, El-Said was reportedly reluctant to extend his deal after Ahly had made it clear they could not afford to meet his financial demands.
But they have eventually reached an agreement, although Ahly did not reveal how much El-Said would earn over the next two seasons - the duration of the new deal.
The 32-year-old player played an instrumental role in helping Ahly win the Egyptian Premier League with six matches to spare on Monday, securing the title for a third consecutive time and a 40th overall.
El-Said joined the Red Devils from bitter foes Ismaily in 2011 but used to live in the shadow of iconic playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika. However, he assumed the playmaking role following Abou-Treika s retirement in late 2013.
He has won four Egyptian league titles, two African Champions Leagues, a Confederation Cup and an Egyptian Cup among other minor accolades since his arrival.
El-Said scored 67 goals and created 54 others in 227 appearances with Ahly in all competitions.
