National Bank denies move for Zamalek star Seif Farouk Gaafar 

Ashraf Nassar, president of National Bank, firmly denied reports claiming his club is negotiating with Zamalek to sign midfielder Seif Farouk Gaafar on loan in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Nassar explained in televised comments that Bank Al Ahly has not opened any talks with Zamalek or with the player himself, stressing that all news about a January move is completely inaccurate and that no official offer was made.​

Gaafar has featured for Zamalek this season in 8 matches, playing 274 minutes and scoring one goal. The Zamalek board is studying the possibility of marketing the player, either through a loan deal or a permanent transfer fee, as part of efforts to ease the club’s current financial difficulties.​

On the pitch, Zamalek recently squandered a three-goal lead against hosts Kahrabaa Ismailia, ending in a 3-3 draw at the Arab Contractors Stadium in the first round of Group C. The team failed to maintain its advantage due to a clear physical drop-off late in the match, raising new questions about fitness levels.​

Zamalek is scheduled to face Haras El Hodood on December 20, in the second round of the Egypt Capital Cup, in a match seen as a chance to restore confidence and stabilize results.​