Ahly unveil new striker Anthony Modeste. Photo: Ahly X account.
The 35-year-old striker, who has been without a club since departing Dortmund in June, has inked a one-year contract with an option to extend for an additional year, "subject to predefined conditions," according to the official statement released by the club on its website.
These conditions are reported to be linked to the number of appearances and goals, as suggested by local media reports.
The French striker successfully completed his medical examinations in Germany on Sunday before arriving in Egypt on Monday to finalize his move.
Modeste is set to earn an estimated $1.5 million per season, with additional bonuses tied to his performance, goal-scoring achievements, and titles won.
Ahly introduced their new signing on various social media platforms, using the iconic song "Ana Hawet" by the late singer and composer Sayed Darwish to mark the centennial of his death.
"Ici c’est le Caire, ici c’est l’histoire, ici c’est Al Ahly" (This is Cairo, this is history, and this is Al Ahly) Modeste said at the end of the video.
Lack of firepower
The arrival of the former Cologne, Hoffenheim, and Bordeaux striker fills a void that has plagued Ahly for the past year, notably the lack of firepower up front.
Despite winning five titles last season, including the domestic league, Egypt Cup, and African Champions League, coach Marcel Koller had repeatedly voiced his dissatisfaction with the performance of his strikers .
Ahly had previously pursued Congolese striker Jackson Muleka and Brazilian striker Gustavo Souza during the January transfer window and again in the summer, but negotiations collapsed due to financial disputes with their respective clubs, Besiktas and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
Modeste emerged as a late and available choice after he announced that he was open to a new experience even if it meant playing at a lower level.
He said such an experience would present a fresh challenge that would make him happy.
Questions have been raised about Modeste's age, but Koller has reportedly insisted on signing a strong and experienced striker to enhance the efficiency of the team's frontline.
Modeste boasts a proven track record as a goal scorer, with 16 years of experience at the top level, having spent the majority of his career in the Bundesliga and French Ligue 1.
Following the arrival of midfielder Emam Ashour and Moroccan winger Reda Slim, the signing of Modeste is particularly crucial as the team is set to confront numerous international challenges, including the Africa Football League, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup.
He could be put to the test as early as next Friday when Ahly face USM Alger in the Africa Super Cup.
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