The board member of Zamalek Club, Ahmed Soliman, has made clear statements concerning the status of Mahmoud Bentayek's purchase option from French club Saint-Étienne. Following rising speculation and social media buzz about the activation of the clause allowing Zamalek to buy the player, Soliman confirmed on February 27, 2025, during his televised appearance, "The buy option for Bentayek has not been activated yet as rumored, but God willing, it will happen soon."
Bentayek, who has been on loan at Zamalek since the beginning of the season, has been notable for his performance, including scoring the equalizer against Al Ahly in last week's derby match. He has participated in 18 matches for Zamalek this season, contributing significantly with one goal and two assists. The player is bound by the loan agreement, which includes the right for Zamalek to buy him for one million euros.
"The image currently circulating showing Bentayek signing contracts is not recent; it dates back to the time of his arrival in Egypt," Soliman clarified, dispelling the rumors surrounding the supposed finalization of the deal. The club is currently preparing for their upcoming match against Zed FC, with Zamalek sitting third in the Egyptian league standings, eight points behind the leaders.
Ahmed Soliman also remarked on the pressure from the current match schedule as a contributing factor to the delay in triggering Bentayek's buy option. "The pressing match schedule is the reason we haven't activated Bentayek's buy clause yet," he stated, indicating the challenges the club faces during this busy period.
Despite the uncertainty about Bentayek's future, his contributions have earned him praise from fans and analysts alike, making his potential permanent transfer highly anticipated. Zamalek's decision to finalize Bentayek's purchase soon could hinge on both his continued performance and the tactical needs of the team as they push for the title.
Currently, the team's focus is on their forthcoming match against Zed FC, which is set to take place later today. With Zamalek needing to secure points to maintain their position near the top of the league table, the blend of player performance and administrative decisions will be under scrutiny.
Critics and fans alike are keeping close watch, as news of Bentayek's status could impact the club's strategies moving forward. The Zamalek board's public disclosure aims to manage expectations and clarify the situation surrounding their player acquisition plans. Soliman's comments reflect Zamalek's commitment to transparency amid the rising excitement and speculation surrounding the player.