Emam Ashour has performed well for Egypt at the World Cup this summer. He is now being linked with a move to West Ham United.
According to Sport Elwatan (translated from Arabic), "The brilliant Egyptian star Imam Ashour is among the leading candidates to join West Ham."
He currently plays his club soccer in Egypt with Al Ahly. His last season was disrupted by illness and a broken collarbone, which meant that he played just 19 times in all competitions, scoring twice with six assists.
Ashour broke his collarbone during a Club World Cup match with Inter Miami last summer. That tournament gave Al Ahly a lot of exposure. With Al Ahly, Ashour has won two Egyptian Premier League titles, the Egypt Cup, Egyptian Super Cup, the CAF Champions League, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The player has played for other Egyptian sides, including Zamalek, Haras El Hodoud, and Ghazl El Mahalla. His experience of European soccer is limited; he had just a brief spell in Denmark. He made seven appearances for Midtjylland, scoring twice. One of these goals came in a Europa League qualifying match against Sporting CP.
Emam Ashour could be very much in demand after the World Cup
At the World Cup this summer, Ashour scored Egypt's opening goal against Belgium, which was assisted by Mohamed Salah. That match finished 1-1, and he then played as Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1. They face Iran in their final group stage match. However, most West Ham fans may not be watching that tie as it kicks off at 4 am BST.
Ashour is 28 years old and predominantly a central midfielder, but he can also play in an attacking role and on the left wing. This could be very useful for Nuno Espirito Santo as they are set to lose Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes this summer.
The Egyptian has also been linked with Derby County and the Columbus Crew. Derby finished eighth in the Championship last season, so Ashour would have a much greater chance of promotion to the Premier League with West Ham.
The Crew is currently 10th in MLS' Eastern Conference, which is just outside the playoffs. Whilst staying in North America after the World Cup could be tempting for Ashour, if he has real ambition, then he should try his hand at the Championship with a view to playing in the Premier League one day.
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