Pharco FC sign Mohamed Grendo after Ismaily links

Pharco FC have completed the signing of Mohamed Abdel Latif, known as “Grendo”, after the player had been linked with a move to Ismaily SC.

The club announced the deal on Wednesday as they continue to prepare for life in the Egyptian Professional League following their relegation last season. Grendo becomes Pharco FC’s ninth signing of the summer transfer window.

Pharco FC confirmed the arrival through their official social media channels, unveiling their new player with the headline: “The magician Grendo knows how to choose well.”

The 12 August announcement ends a period of uncertainty over the forward’s next destination. Grendo had been associated with a possible move to Ismaily SC if registration reopened, but he has instead completed a transfer to Pharco FC.

The club are rebuilding their squad after finishing 13th and second-bottom in the relegation group last season. Pharco FC collected 25 points during that campaign and will now compete in the Egyptian Professional League.

Grendo joins a number of other new arrivals at the club. Pharco FC have also signed Ibrahim Al-Qadi, Sila, Taha Ibrahim, Mohamed Essam, Mahmoud Al-Almani, Mohamed El-Desouky, Suleiman Khaled and Kazem Sabry during the summer.

Mohamed Attia is in charge of Pharco FC and will lead the team into the new campaign. Their first match in the Egyptian Professional League is scheduled for 21 August, when they will face Proxy SC in the opening round.

The signing adds experience to a squad aiming to respond quickly to last season’s relegation. Grendo has previously played for Al Masry, Haras El Hodoud, Ghazl El Mahalla and National Bank of Egypt.

His career has included spells with clubs from across Egyptian football, and Pharco FC will now hope he can contribute as they attempt to make a strong start in the second tier.

The move also brings clarity to the player’s immediate future after his name was connected with Ismaily SC. Rather than wait for the possibility of registration opening there, Grendo has opted to continue his career with Pharco FC.

The club’s opening fixture against Proxy SC on 21 August will provide the first opportunity to see the new-look squad in competitive action. Pharco FC’s summer recruitment, including the addition of Grendo, is part of their effort to return to the top flight after their relegation last season.