Latest On Al Ahly’s Formal Sirino Bid

Al Ahly have had their latest bid for Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Gaston Sirino rejected, the Siya crew has been informed.

Read: Downs’ Sensational Bid For Al Ahly Duo!

The Egyptians have been admirers of the Uruguayan midfielder for about a year now and recently reignited their interest in him following the arrival of Pitso Mosimane in Cairo last month as their head coach on a two-year deal.

It is understood Al Ahly have now formally submitted a $1-million (R16-million) bid in their attempts to lure Sirino away from Chloorkop, a figure club insiders have told the Siya crew is much lower than the $3-million (R48-million) from last year.

For several weeks now, and as reported by Soccer Laduma, the Brazilians have made their stance on Sirino clear – he is not for sale!

And they backed this up by offering him a bumper new five-year deal, which Sirino signed in June to commit his long term future to the reigning domestic league champions.

It’s strange that Al Ahly would then return with a lower offer, unless this is of course mind games given the drama that has unfolded over the last few days.

In a twist to this entire transfer saga, Sundowns launched their own bid for two of Al Ahly’s best players in record signing Hussein El Shahat as well as vice-captain Ayman Ashraf for a combined $5-million (R80-million) fee.   

But this appears to be all part of mind games given that it is highly unlikely Sundowns would spend that much money on these two players or that Al Ahly would allow them to leave having themselves spent that same figure on Shahat alone in January last year.

Read: Sirino Blow For Downs

Siya sources have suggested the latest bid to sign Sirino, despite several media reports claiming a deal has been struck, has in fact been rejected!

The player, however, is believed to be keen on the move.

It’s a story that could continue to develop until the Mzansi transfer window slams shut at the end of the month, while the Egyptian one closes on December 6.

Story by @superjourno