Ahli's decision to sign controversial forward Gamal Hamza next summer is not unwise like some have suggested, it is a timely and sound move with zero risk. It is true that Hamza, a player of undoubted talent, is a temperamental forward who often fails to live up to his potential but that does not mean he would not benefit Ahli. People who object to Ahli's decision bear in mind that Hamza endured an inconsistent nine-year spell with Zamalek, the Red Devils' arch-rivals, that was marred with some off-field problems. Even when he realized his dream and joined German side Mainz last summer, he struggled for fitness and eventually had to cut short his Bundesliga spell, joining Egyptian Premier League promoted team Gouna. But despite those facts, which can hardly be questioned, Ahli can not be blamed for making a move for him to boost their attacking options. They will sign him on a free transfer because his contract with Gouna will expire at the end of the season so they won't have to dig deep into their pocket to acquire his services. Ahli will have nothing to worry about.
Ahli can not be blamed for making a move for Hamza to boost their attacking options If Hamza excels and proves his worth, they will be praised for bringing in an 'effective frontman' and if he does not succeed, they will not lose anything. Hamza's disciplinary problems are highly unlikely to surface with a club who are known for their strict approaches towards any misbehavior. On the technical level, Ahli are in need of a striker or a deep-lying forward despite having plenty of frontmen at their disposal. Emad Meteb is their only reliable striker, with the likes of Osama Hosni, Ahmed Belal and Hani Al-Egeizi failing to justify Ahli's decision to keep faith with them this season. Hamza's move to Ahli might be reminiscent of Michael Owen's move to Manchester United last summer. Owen, struggling to regain the form that saw him named Europe's best player in 2001, joined United as a free agent with the hope of bringing back his glory days. There were no risks for the English league champions, who are benefiting from Owen's presence this season without having to pay any fees.
