Is it time for Mohamed El-Shenaway to move on?
European football’s winter transfer window remains open but, as is traditional at this time of year, things have been relatively quiet. With teams having largely established their squads in the summer, January is subdued by comparison and we’ve yet to see any really outstanding deals.
One man who could still fall under the radar is Egyptian international goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenaway who, according to earlier reports, had been a target for Liverpool.
Former Suitors
The story of Mohamed El Shenawy’s proposed transfer to English Premier League side Liverpool was recounted last month in UK newspapers. In 2019, it was claimed that the Reds were scouting the Egyptian goalkeeper as a potential replacement for the departing Simon Mignolet. El Shenawy’s performances at the club and international level had also drawn the attention of Arsenal but there was a problem.
In both cases, the Egyptian stopper would have come into those sides as a back up to the first-choice goalkeeper. As he reached his early-30s, El Shenawy needed to keep playing in order to stay under the radar of the national team selectors and neither Liverpool nor Arsenal could make any guarantees.
However, the interest of both clubs underlines the quality that Al Ahly’s man possesses so will any club from Europe’s top leagues come calling this month?
Current Priorities
If Mohamed El Shenawy doesn’t make a move away from Al Ahly, he will remain focused on domestic duties with his current club. The Red Devils victory in the Egyptian Premier League at the end of the 2019/20 season was the 42nd time that they have lifted the trophy and it’s no surprise to learn that this is a national record.
Al Ahly are also multiple winners of the Egyptian Cup and they are expected to dominate the domestic scene for the foreseeable future. Sportsbooks linking in to the website at sbo.net show Al Ahly as clear favourites for all major honours within Egyptian football and their dominance is rarely challenged.
Within the sbo.net website, there is advice for those who are asking which sports should I bet on while there is more help and assistance in other sections. Odds for all major sports are also updated so this is a useful portal for anyone interested in staking on Egyptian football.
The Right Time?
With no firm rumors relating to Mohamed El Shenawy’s future, it seems almost certain that the stopper will remain with Al Ahly for the time being. While it’s clear that he doesn’t want to be sitting on the substitute’s bench at a big club like Liverpool, the player must ask whether he actually wants to make a switch to a major European league.
El Shenawy is 32 years of age now and, while goalkeepers tend to come into their prime at a later stage than outfield players, clubs are unlikely to move for someone in their mid-30s. Therefore, as far as those teams are concerned, this is the prime time to move for a player of Mohamed El Shenawy’s age and experience.
It’s clear that some sides would look to the Egyptian international as their first reserve but this wouldn’t always be the case. Staying in the Premier League, Everton are rumored to be seeking a replacement for Jordan Pickford after a number of high profile errors. An experienced keeper who knows what it takes to win trophies would fit the requirements and El Shenawy is a strong candidate.
Elsewhere in England, Aston Villa, Leeds United and West Ham United could be potential destinations. In Germany, mid-table sides include Stuttgart and Union Berlin while Italy have Verona, Sampdoria, Lazio and others. A move to any of those clubs may not allow the player to appear in the prestigious UEFA Champions League but these are strong, mid-table sides who are more likely to want Mohamed El Shenawy as their first-choice goalkeeper.
There is no doubt that Mohamed El Shenawy will continue to pick up major silverware if he stays with Al Ahly but is this the right time to be tested in a more competitive division? The winter window remains open for now but there may be one last chance in June when the European summer window hits the schedules.
