Zamalek seek January solution to Juan Besira absence as talks with player gather pace

Zamalek have opened a new line of communication with Brazilian player Juan Besira as they try to resolve his ongoing absence from training ahead of the new season.

Besira remains determined to leave the Egyptian club despite having a valid contract, after receiving offers during the current transfer window. He has not joined Zamalek’s preparations, creating a dispute between the player and the club over his immediate future.

The latest development was revealed by broadcaster Ahmed Shobier on his morning programme on On Sport FM radio. According to Shobier, Zamalek captain Omar Gaber first spoke directly to Besira before the club’s management contacted the player’s father, Al Watan reported.

The discussions represent an attempt by Zamalek to establish communication with Besira and persuade him to return to Cairo. Shobier said the club’s legal position appeared to be strong and that its current request was for the player to resume training and remain with the squad until January.

At that point, Zamalek would reassess the situation and consider any new developments before deciding on the next step.

Shobier said: “Zamalek is trying to lure Besira back and convince him to return.” He added that “the available information indicates that Besira has agreed to return to Cairo”.

The broadcaster also said the club’s immediate priority was to bring the absence dispute to an end, rather than begin negotiations over the player’s contract.

He said: “The priority for Zamalek’s management at present is to end the player’s absence crisis before discussing any step related to improving his contract, an option that is still on the club’s table.”

Besira’s possible return would not necessarily end the disagreement over his long-term future. His desire to leave remains linked to the offers he has received during the summer transfer window, while Zamalek continue to insist that he should honour the existing agreement.

The club previously issued an official statement confirming that it wanted Besira to stay and would not consider any offers for his sale during the summer window. Zamalek also denied that the player had been promised permission to leave.

In that statement, the club called on Besira to return to training and said it would handle the situation in accordance with the terms of his contract and the relevant regulations. Zamalek added that it reserved all of its rights.

The club’s latest approach, involving both the team captain and Besira’s father, appears to have created a possible route back into the squad. For now, however, the proposed arrangement is for the player to return and train until January, when his position and any possible contract discussions can be reviewed.