CAIRO, July 13 (Reuters Arabic) - Al Ahly announced on Sunday the signing of defender Yassin Marei from Pharco on a five-year contract with the Egyptian Premier League champions.

Marai, 23, began his career in the Zamalek youth ranks before moving to Farco in 2022 on a permanent basis after playing with the Alexandria team for a season on loan.

Al-Ahly said in a statement, "The club announced the signing of Yassin Marai, defender of Pharco, for the next five years."

Marai, whose father is a player agent, made 61 appearances for Pharco in all competitions, scoring two goals.

Al Ahly continued to strengthen its ranks for the new season, seeking to retain the league title and reclaim the CAF Champions League crown after its hopes of retaining its continental title were dashed by a loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals.

Coach Jose Ribeiro's team includes several distinguished players, most notably Ahmed Sayed (Zizo) after the end of his contract with Zamalek, Mahmoud Hassan (Trezeguet), the Egyptian winger, Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan, the Tunisian midfielder, and the return of striker Mohamed Sherif after his experience with Al-Khaleej Saudi Club, in addition to goalkeeper Mohamed Ahmed (Siha) and the loan of defender Ahmed Ramadan.

(Press coverage for the Arabic edition by Mohamed Youssef)