Ahly have rejected an offer from English Premier League newly-promoted side Queens Park Rangers to sign in-form right-back Ahmed Fathi, the Egyptian champions said on Wednesday. QPR tabled a £1 million bid earlier this month to acquire the services of Fathi, who spent a brief spell with fellow English side Sheffield United in 2007. “The matter is fully closed. Fathi will remain an Ahly player,” football committee chief executive Hady Khashaba said on the club's official website. “The offer QPR made was neither suitable for Ahly nor Ahmed Fathi, given the caliber of the player on the local and international levels.” The decision will come as a major boost to Ahly coach Manuel Jose, who heavily relies on Fathi in his preferred 3-5-2 formation. The 26-year-old is one of the Red Devils' most consistent performers, thanks to his steady defensive displays. He also improved the attacking aspects of his game last season. Fathi joined Ahly in 2007 after leaving Sheffield, where he had little success. He is famously acclaimed by the club faithful for scoring a last-gasp goal against El-Geish in 2009 which kept alive the team's hopes of winning the Egyptian Premier League title. Ahly eventually won the league after beating bitter rivals Ismaily, where Fathi was raised as a youngster, in a title decider.
