Hossam El Zanaty closes in on Zamalek sporting director role after John Edward talks

Hossam El Zanaty has held talks with former Zamalek sporting director John Edward as he moves closer to taking over the role at the Egyptian club.

El Zanaty, currently assistant sporting director at Danish club FC Nordsjælland, used the meeting to gather details about Zamalek’s squad and football operations before a final decision is made on succeeding Edward.

The discussions also covered the club’s financial position and the contracts of its players.

The meeting with Edward was not El Zanaty’s first contact with Zamalek. He has previously held talks with football director Abdel Nasser Mohamed and members of the club’s administration.

El Zanaty is understood to be close to reaching an agreement to become Zamalek’s sporting director, although no final date has yet been set for the deal or the start of his work. The agreement is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

Financial issues have delayed El Zanaty’s decision. Some player payments from last season remain outstanding, with the unpaid amount reaching 25%.

Edward left his position as Zamalek sporting director after only one season. During his time at the club, Zamalek won the league title.

The club are preparing to face Port Djibouti at 20:00 on Saturday in the second leg of the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.