Pyramids launch €5m bid for Craiova striker Asaad Al-Hamlawi – add-ons hold up deal

Pyramids have submitted a €5m offer to sign Palestinian forward Asaad Al-Hamlawi from Romanian side Universitatea Craiova, with only a dispute over performance-related bonuses delaying the deal, according to reports in Romania.

The Egyptian club are seeking to reinforce their attack after the departure of Congolese striker Fiston Mayele, and have identified Al-Hamlawi as a key target to lead their forward line.

Romanian outlet TRUmedia reports that negotiations between Pyramids and Craiova have reached an advanced stage, with the two clubs largely in agreement over the basic transfer fee of €5m.

The sticking point, however, is understood to be the structure of additional payments due to Craiova, which would depend on the number of matches Al-Hamlawi plays for his prospective new club.

Add-ons the final obstacle

The report states that the current disagreement centres on the bonus package Craiova are demanding, tied to appearance-based clauses and potential future incentives.

Both clubs are continuing talks to resolve the issue, and the Romanian outlet suggests that, should discussions progress smoothly, an official announcement could be made by the end of next week.

Al-Hamlawi has previously been linked with a move to Al Ahly, but that proposed transfer did not materialise and no agreement was reached.

Rapid rise in Romania

The 26-year-old Palestinian forward joined Universitatea Craiova in the summer of 2025 from Polish club Slask Wrocław and made an immediate impact in Romanian football.

He adapted quickly to his new surroundings and established himself as one of Craiova’s most important attacking options over the course of his debut season.

In his first campaign in Romania, Al-Hamlawi scored 16 goals in all competitions, including 11 goals in 33 league appearances in the Romanian top flight.

That tally saw him finish the season as Craiova’s leading scorer in the league, further enhancing his reputation and attracting interest from abroad, including the current approach from Pyramids.

While no timeframe has been given by the clubs involved, the Romanian report underlines that only the bonus-related clauses remain unresolved, with all other aspects of the proposed transfer close to being finalised.