Mohamed Salah was still plying his trade in Africa when a former Al Ahly boss tried to sign him.
The winger began his career in the Egyptian Premier League with El Mokawloon before taking his career to Europe.
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Swiss giants FC Basel first noticed him while playing at the Arab Contractors Stadium.
The pacey attacker was purchased by Basel for €2.5 million (R49.5 million), and Egypt's captain began a long and illustrious European football career, winning two CAF Men's Player of the Year awards, three Premier League Golden Boot awards, as well as English and European titles.
Salah almost joined record African champions Al Ahly, but things almost turned out very differently.
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When he was playing for Mokawloon in 2013, Hossam El Badry tried to lure the young star to the Cairo International Stadium, but his Egyptian side had alternative plans for him.
El Badry told Yallakora that El Mokawloon Al Arab Club always produces distinguished players, including Mohamed Salah.
I spoke with Mohamed Amer, the technical director of El Mokawloon Al Arab at the time, and Mohamed Ramadan, the football director, about adding Mohamed Salah to Al Ahly when I was the technical director.
"But the club's management refused the request and insisted he play professionally abroad."
