El Gouna sign experienced defender Islam Abou-Salema from relegated Haras El Hodoud in first summer move

El Gouna have made 33-year-old centre-back Islam Abou-Salema their first signing of the summer after completing his move from Haras El Hodoud.

The coastal club, who finished 11th in last season’s Egyptian Premier League, announced the arrival of the veteran defender as they look to build on the most successful top-flight campaign in their history in terms of points, having collected 46.

Abou-Salema joins following two seasons at Haras El Hodoud, where he made 48 appearances and scored once. Haras El Hodoud were relegated at the end of last season after finishing 19th in the table with 26 points.

The defender, described by his new club as “جوناوي” (a Gouna player), was unveiled on social media as El Gouna’s first addition ahead of the new campaign.

Journeyman defender with top-flight pedigree

Over the course of his career, Abou-Salema has represented a succession of Egyptian clubs. Before signing for El Gouna, he had spells with El Sharkia, Ittihad El Shorta, Al Masry, Al Ittihad Alexandria and Haras El Hodoud.

Across all competitions, he has played 237 matches, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist – a notable return for a defender.

Abou-Salema has long been regarded as a goal-scoring centre-back, particularly during his time at Al Masry, where he enjoyed a prolific start and developed a reputation for stepping up in big games.

Breakthrough at Al Masry and major injury setbacks

Abou-Salema began his footballing journey with Ittihad El Shorta at the age of five, progressing through the youth ranks until he reached the first team. In January 2017, he was loaned to El Sharkia, and later that summer he made a permanent move to Al Masry.

His early months in Port Said were highly impressive. During his first five matches for Al Masry, Abou-Salema scored three goals, including one against Zamalek, signalling his potential as an attacking threat from defence.

However, his rise was soon interrupted. Before the end of 2017, he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, halting his momentum just as he was establishing himself.

Abou-Salema returned to score again against Zamalek in 2019, underlining his ability to perform in high-profile fixtures, but in September 2020 he sustained a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. That injury led to a 14-month absence from competitive action.

He rejoined team training in December 2021, yet did not make his first start after the lay-off until June 2022. That appearance came 640 days after his previous competitive outing, highlighting the scale of his battle back to fitness.

Admiration for Sergio Ramos and move away from Al Masry

Speaking to FilGoal.com in 2017, Abou-Salema revealed his defensive role model: “على المستوى العالمي افضل سيرخيو راموس مدافع ريال مدريد واتابعه دايما لاتعلم منه. اتمنى ان اكون 1% منه حتى”.

After six years with Al Masry, he departed at the end of his contract. In an emotional farewell message, he thanked the club’s supporters for standing by him throughout his time in Port Said, including during his lengthy spells on the sidelines.

He subsequently joined Al Ittihad Alexandria, before later signing for Haras El Hodoud, where he spent the last two seasons prior to this latest move.

Now, with his switch to El Gouna confirmed, Abou-Salema embarks on what is effectively his third different spell with a coastal club, as the Red Sea side look to use his experience and resilience to consolidate – and possibly improve on – their mid-table standing in the Egyptian Premier League.