Zamalek Club is gearing up to solidify its ties with Moroccan player Mahmoud Bentayg, as reports indicate the club is actively engaging with French side Saint-Étienne to activate the option for his permanent transfer. Following his successful loan stint, which has seen him perform admirably on the pitch, the club is determined to secure Bentayg’s presence for the long term.
According to various sources, Zamalek's management is currently consulting its planning committee, which includes key figures such as Hussein Labib, Ahmed Hossam 'Mido', Hazem Emam, and Amr El-Ganainy, to discuss the potential move. The club signed Bentayg for one season with the option to purchase set at one million euros. With the season nearing its end, the urgency to finalize this acquisition has intensified, especially with growing interest from rival clubs.
Bentayg's impact on the field has not gone unnoticed. Recently, he was instrumental during Zamalek's match against Al Ahly, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Bentayg scored Zamalek's goal and was named man of the match, solidifying his reputation among fans and management alike. This performance has swelled the calls from Zamalek supporters for the club to activate his purchase clause before it’s too late.
Adding to the urgency is the fact other teams, particularly Al Ahly and Pyramids, are also eyeing Bentayg. The fear of losing such talent to competitive rivals has prompted Zamalek's officials to renew discussions with Saint-Étienne about expediting the transfer process. The last thing the club wants is to see Bentayg slip away to another team after his outstanding performances.
Initially, Zamalek had planned to negotiate the transfer fee, hoping to lower the one million euro price tag attached to the deal. Sources within the club indicate they have previously communicated with Saint-Étienne to seek flexibility on this amount. Now, under the advice of the planning committee—who have reportedly recommended making the transfer permanent due to Bentayg's significant contributions—there appears to be renewed momentum to finalize this deal.
"It’s imperative we keep Mahmoud Bentayg with us," said one member of the management team. "He has proven to be not only a talented player but also someone who can contribute substantially to our goals moving forward. We will do everything possible to solidify his place here at Zamalek."
Preparations for Zamalek’s upcoming matches continue as the management focuses on bolstering the team’s roster with players who can help cement their status as contenders for league titles. The next fixture set against ZED will be key, and having Bentayg secured beforehand would greatly benefit the squad as they aim for continued success.
Fans remain optimistic about the club's prospects. Many have taken to social media, echoing the call for decisive action from the club’s officials. The sentiment is clear: keeping Bentayg is seen as pivotal for Zamalek’s future. It seems the ball is now firmly in the club's court, and the coming weeks could determine whether they can retain one of their rising stars or allow others to benefit from his talents.
Overall, Zamalek’s potential acquisition of Mahmoud Bentayg from Saint-Étienne symbolizes not just the club’s ambition to strengthen their lineup, but it also reflects the competitive nature of Egyptian football, where every decision can have lasting repercussions on team dynamics and fan support. The next steps will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike as Zamalek strives to navigate this pivotal moment.