The battle for Ahmed Mostafa Zezo's future unfolds in Egyptian football as Zamalek Club takes decisive steps to prevent his transfer to rival Al-Ahly.
On Monday, March 24, 2025, at 09:10 PM, reports confirmed that Zamalek management had put forth a lucrative contract extension to the talented player, a move meant to quash any potential transfer to their rivals. The offer entails a three-year contract at an annual salary of 80 million Egyptian pounds, amounting to a staggering total of 240 million pounds over the contract period, alongside a signing bonus of 30 million pounds.
Sources close to Zamalek indicated that the club is adamant about ensuring that Zezo does not entertain better offers for signing a new contract elsewhere. The top brass at Zamalek are set to meet with the player following his participation with the Egyptian national team in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This meeting represents a critical juncture for the club as they look to secure Zezo’s services and maintain their competitive edge.
Beligh Abu Awaid, a prominent sports analyst, shared illuminating insights during his segment on the "Box To Box" show aired on the ETC channel. He articulated the fears gripping Zamalek’s management regarding a potential transfer, underscoring the alluring financial temptations presented by Al-Ahly. Abu Awaid noted, "The Zamalek club fears the transfer of Zezo to Al-Ahly with financial temptations from Al-Ahly for his participation in the Club World Cup." Such developments not only heighten the stakes for Zezo but also amplify the intense rivalry between the two clubs.
Responding to these threats, Zamalek's leadership is prepared to present its most competitive financial offer yet to secure the player's contract renewal. They are even considering a strategic option of selling Zezo after the upcoming season should they fail to renew his contract, thus monetizing their investment in the player.
The negotiation efforts for Zezo are reportedly being spearheaded by a dedicated committee within Zamalek. This committee is composed of three key figures who will represent the club in discussions with the player: Ahmed Hossam "Mido", Hazem Imam, and Amrou El-Ganayni. The Zamalek council has explicitly stated that they reject any outside interference in these negotiations, reflecting their intent to prioritize Zezo’s retention over external influences.
As Zamalek attempts to regain control over this pivotal moment, the situation is further complicated by external factors. The upcoming session of the Olympic Committee, where decisions regarding various football grievances will be addressed, looms on the horizon. Zamalek's decision-makers are acutely aware that the implications of Zezo's potential transfer could reverberate throughout the league.
Amid these tensions, Al-Ahly is not sitting idle. They reportedly secured an agreement with Zezo for a three-year contract with an annual salary of around 2 million dollars, which adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. In the competitive landscape of Egyptian football, where the balance of power can shift with a single contract, both clubs' strategic decisions in the coming hours and days will be critical. Abu Awaid confirmed this predicament by affirming that the Zamalek administration is prepared to make a pronounced financial pitch, declaring, "We are prepared to provide a larger financial offer to Zezo for his contract renewal, with the possibility of selling him next season."
The escalation in negotiations and the looming possibility of a transfer have several stakeholders involved closely monitoring developments. Zamalek's management is fully aware that retaining Zezo is vital not only for the team's competitiveness but also for morale among fans, who remain passionate and deeply invested in the club's fortunes.
While financial constraints and increasing competition pose substantial challenges for teams in the league, the stakes for both Zamalek and Al-Ahly could not be higher. The outcome of these negotiations may very well dictate the pace of recruitment, player retention, and overall strategies for both clubs in the long term.
The ripple effects of this saga could be felt beyond the immediate rivalry, potentially reshaping club dynamics in Egyptian football for years to come. As such, fans, players, and sports analysts alike will be keenly observing the resolution of Ahmed Mostafa Zezo's contract situation and how it plays into broader narratives within the sport.
The ongoing discussions within the Olympic Committee and their impact on club policies will also play a significant role in shaping future decisions, with immediate ramifications likely to follow the impending meeting. The decisions made during these deliberations could pave the way for new standards in contract negotiations, especially amidst escalating financial demands in Egyptian football.
As the drama continues and the clock ticks down toward decision day, it’s clear that no one involved in this fierce rivalry can afford to take their eyes off the ball. With everything at stake, this rivalry epitomizes the unpredictable and thrilling essence of Egyptian football.
