Zamalek SC and Pyramids FC intensify pursuit of Petrojet talent Hamed Hamdan

Zamalek have reignited their bid for Petrojet midfielder Hamed Hamdan as competition from Pyramids FC grows, according to Egyptian broadcaster Saif Zaher.

Speaking on the “On Sport” channel, Zaher confirmed that Zamalek’s hierarchy, led by club president Hussein Labib, has resumed discussions to secure the highly-rated player after negotiations previously stalled.

The Cairo giants are understood to have allocated a sum of 20 million Egyptian pounds in hopes of finalising the transfer.

Zaher explained that the renewed push came only after rivals Pyramids stepped up their own talks with Petrojet, placing Zamalek under pressure to act swiftly.

“Why did Zamalek make a move again? Because Pyramids FC had already started making moves, and Petrojet’s management set a price of 35 million pounds to release the player,” he stated.

While focus remains on strengthening the squad, tension has flared within Zamalek behind the scenes following an incident involving the club’s sporting director, John Edward.

He recently issued a strongly-worded statement responding to criticism and hostility from supporters during the team’s CAF Confederation Cup clash with Somali side Dekedaha.

According to a senior club source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Zamalek’s board is now weighing up formal action over Edward’s decision to release the statement without prior approval.

The issue has reportedly deepened internal friction, with the sporting director believed to be portraying the board as negligent in fulfilling financial commitments to various departments of the club.

The source suggested that urgent dialogue may be required to contain the fallout before the dispute escalates further.

The matter could also influence Zamalek’s transfer dealings, including the ongoing pursuit of Hamdan, as the club attempts to maintain unity during a critical recruitment phase.

The battle for Hamdan’s signature adds fresh intrigue to an already complex transfer window.

Petrojet’s firm valuation and the emergence of a well-funded competitor in Pyramids means Zamalek must decide quickly whether to raise their bid or risk losing a player they have tracked for months.

With domestic rivals strengthening and supporter expectations rising following continental disappointment last season, Zamalek’s board faces mounting pressure to deliver reinforcements.

Securing Hamdan would be seen as a statement of intent — but failure could leave fans questioning the club’s direction once again.

As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on whether the two-time African champions can outmanoeuvre Pyramids and restore calm at boardroom level in a period already charged with uncertainty.