Zamalek races against time to prevent another Emam Ashour and Ahmed Sayed Zizo nightmare

Zamalek is feeling anxious as the countdown begins for defender Hossam Abdelmaguid’s contract to expire at the end of the current season.

This tense situation brings back memories of past heartbreaks, when fans watched Imam Ashour and Ahmed Sayed Zizo move to rival Al Ahly, Ashour after a brief stint in Denmark, and Zizo just last summer.

Supporters now fear Abdelmaguid, just 24 and seen as the future of Egypt’s defense, could follow that same path due to the club’s severe financial crisis, which continues to delay contract renewal talks. News that Al Ahly is interested only adds pressure, sparking major concern among Zamalek’s faithful.

Negotiations with Zizo dragged out until the final months, giving him leverage for a surprise departure. Hesitation with Ashour allowed Al Ahly to snap him up quickly. Now, Abdelmaguid is close to entering the phase where he can freely negotiate with other clubs, and losing him would be a major blow, his strength in the air and calmness in building attacks from the back are regarded as rare qualities.

The club’s financial crisis remains the biggest obstacle: Abdelmaguid wants a deal that reflects his status as an international. As Zamalek prepares for an important Confederation Cup match against Dekedaha of Somalia, the team is determined to reset and avoid another devastating repeat of the past.