Bafana Bafana international Percy Tau’s spell with Egyptian giants Al Ahly appears to be drawing to a close, with a move to the Qatari Stars League on the horizon.
The 30-year-old, whose current contract with the Cairo giants expires in June 2025, is now free to negotiate and enter into a pre-contract agreement with any club of his choosing. He is in the final six months of his deal at Al Ahly.
Tau has been linked with several clubs, including Zamalek SC, Kaizer Chiefs and Pitso Mosimane’s Esteghlal FC, but it’s a Qatari club that appears to have won the race for his signature.
Among the Qatari Stars League teams linked with Tau are Al-Khor SC, Qatar SC, Al-Duhail SC and Al-Gharafa SC.
Following an alleged fallout with Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller, Tau reportedly requested a release from the 12-time CAF Champions League winners. This request has seemingly been granted, with Al Ahly set to announce his departure imminently.
“Percy Tau’s departure from Al-Ahly this winter is 100% confirmed,” a source revealed. “Al-Ahly club management has decided to let go of the player, and the announcement will be made very soon.”
Further fuelling speculation, Tau missed Al Ahly’s training session on Monday and was subsequently dropped from the matchday squad for their league game against Smouha SC on Tuesday.
PERCY TAU TRANSFER TO QATAR SC ON THE CARDS
It has been reported in Qatar that negotiations between Qatar SC and Al Ahly have reached an advanced stage for the transfer deal of Tau.
Qatar SC are reportedly considering offloading either Congolese forward Ben Malango or Brazilian midfielder Carlinhos to accommodate Tau.
Tau, who played in the Premier League for Brighton & Hove Albion before joining AL Ahly in 2021, enjoyed a successful spell with the African giants. He has contributed significantly to their trophy haul, including two CAF Champions League titles. The ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star has made 126 appearances for the club, scoring 30 goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions.
However, his recent struggles with Koller and the club’s apparent willingness to release him suggest that his time in Cairo is coming to an end. A move to Qatar could offer Tau a fresh start and the opportunity to continue his successful career at the highest level.
This potential move will likely be music to the ears of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who has been a vocal advocate for Tau, finding a club where he can consistently feature for the national team ahead of the 2025 AFCON finals.
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