Zamalek deny sending payment warning to Ludogorets over Hossam Abdel-Maguid transfer

A Zamalek official has denied reports that the Egyptian club sent warnings to Bulgarian side Ludogorets over an outstanding payment for defender Hossam Abdel-Maguid.

Abdel-Maguid joined Ludogorets from Zamalek in a deal worth €1.5m, but the Egyptian club says the agreed deadline for payment has not yet passed.

“The date agreed with Ludogorets for the payment of Hossam Abdel-Maguid’s transfer fee is Saturday, 8 August,” a Zamalek source told FilGoal.com.

“There is no truth to reports that the Bulgarian club has delayed payment or that we have sent warnings to them because of this.”

The statement was issued after reports suggested Ludogorets had failed to meet its financial obligations over the transfer and that Zamalek had taken formal steps to demand the money.

Abdel-Maguid arrived in Bulgaria several days ago and has since joined Ludogorets’ training sessions. The move marks the next stage of the defender’s career after he made 171 appearances for Zamalek, scoring 15 goals and providing one assist.

During his time with the Cairo club, Abdel-Maguid won three Egyptian Premier League titles, two Egypt Cups, one CAF Super Cup and one CAF Confederation Cup.

Ludogorets have made a strong start to the Bulgarian league season, winning each of their first three matches. They opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Lokomotiv Plovdiv, followed that with a 2-0 win against Dunav Ruse and then beat Vratsa 2-1.

Their next Bulgarian league fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 9 August.

However, the club will not compete in European competitions this season after being eliminated in the preliminary qualifying round for the Conference League. It is the first time Ludogorets will not take part in European competition.

The payment deadline agreed between Zamalek and Ludogorets will therefore arrive on Saturday, with the Egyptian club insisting there has been no failure to pay and no need for formal warnings at this stage.