In a dramatic turn of events in Egyptian football, former star Ahmed Hassan has disclosed that Mahmoud Abdel Razek "Shikabala," the current captain of Zamalek, is on the brink of transferring to the Libyan club Al-Nasr. This news was revealed during Hassan's television program "The Captain," aired on the dmc channel. Hassan stated, "Mahmoud Abdel Razek Shikabala has reached an agreement with Al-Nasr to join their ranks for the upcoming season." This revelation has sent waves through the football community as fans speculate on Shikabala's future.
According to Hassan, the discussions between Shikabala and Al-Nasr were productive, with the player meeting with Abdel Rahman Zaid, the president of Al-Nasr, to finalize the terms of the deal. "The player had a previous session with Zaid, during which they agreed on a one-season transfer," Hassan explained. One of the key aspects of the deal is the financial offer, which reportedly exceeds one million dollars for the season. This lucrative contract comes at a time when Shikabala is contemplating retirement with Zamalek at the end of the current season.
However, the situation took a twist when Abdel Rahman Zaid himself addressed the rumors surrounding Shikabala's potential transfer. In an exclusive interview with "Telegraph Egypt," Zaid denied any truth to the claims of interest in Shikabala, stating, "What is being circulated about the club's interest in including Shikabala is not true and has no basis in truth." He further clarified that the needs of Al-Nasr differ from signing Shikabala, suggesting that a transfer is unlikely to materialize.
This back-and-forth has left fans puzzled. While Hassan's comments painted a picture of a near-completed deal, Zaid's denial raises questions about the validity of these claims. The football community is keenly watching how this saga unfolds, especially with the summer transfer window approaching.
In another development, Hazem Imam, a member of the Football Planning Committee at Zamalek, has made headlines by criticizing Ahmed Sayed Zizo, a star player of the team, following his rumored signing with Al-Ahly. Imam expressed his frustration during a television segment on "The Captain," stating that Zizo had not been transparent with the club's management regarding his intentions. Imam remarked, "Mamdouh Abbas did not support me in renewing Zizo's contract, and I do not know if the administration supported him in that. But what I know is that the player's desire was taken into account."
Imam's comments come amid reports that Zizo, who had previously expressed a desire to become Zamalek's all-time leading scorer, has opted to leave the club instead. "Zizo was given every possible offer to renew his contract, and the club did not skimp on him financially," Imam noted. This situation has sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts alike, as Zamalek supporters feel entitled to know the truth about Zizo's departure.
"The fans have the right to know the truth about Zizo's position," Imam said. "He has received money, and we wish him success, but it is the fans' right to know the truth." This sentiment resonates with many supporters who have seen numerous players leave the club in search of greener pastures.
Imam also shared insights from past experiences, suggesting that players who leave Zamalek often struggle to replicate their success at other clubs. "Past experiences show that whoever leaves Zamalek does not complete their success in other clubs, and this is a point that must be taken into account," he asserted. The implications of Zizo's decision and Shikabala's potential move to Al-Nasr highlight the ongoing challenges and dynamics within Egyptian football.
As the summer transfer window looms, the future of both Shikabala and Zizo remains uncertain. Fans are left to ponder the implications of these developments, with many hoping for clarity in the coming weeks. The Zamalek faithful will be particularly eager to see how their club navigates these turbulent waters, especially in light of the recent criticism aimed at their star players.
In conclusion, the football landscape in Egypt is rife with speculation and intrigue as Shikabala's potential transfer and Zizo's controversial departure dominate the headlines. With both players at pivotal points in their careers, the decisions they make could have lasting impacts on their futures and the fortunes of their respective clubs. As developments unfold, fans will be watching closely, eager for updates on these key figures in Egyptian football.
