Zamalek set condition for Juan Bezera talks as Shabab Al Ahli Dubai interest grows

A source at Zamalek says Brazilian forward Juan Bezera is expected to return to Cairo next week, meeting the club’s condition before any discussions about his future can take place.

Bezera had refused to return to Egypt for Zamalek’s pre-season training camp because he wants to move to UAE club Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.

“Juan Bezera will arrive in Cairo next week, in accordance with the club’s condition before discussing anything related to his future,” a Zamalek source told FilGoal.com.

“The club has remained committed to its main condition before discussing any matter concerning the player’s future. He wants to move to another club outside Egypt.

“This reflects well on Zamalek’s management, whose position was clear: it would not accept any player trying to force its hand, regardless of who he is. The club has insisted on implementing its specific, non-negotiable conditions.”

Bezera has missed Zamalek’s preparations and their Egyptian Premier League matches after declaring his intention to leave, having spent one season with the club.

A further source at Zamalek previously revealed that Shabab Al Ahli Dubai had increased its offer for the player.

“A new meeting took place in the past few hours between the club, Juan Bezera’s lawyer and his agent,” the source told FilGoal.com. “It was confirmed that Shabab Al Ahli Dubai’s offer had been raised to $5m, with the payment method changed to instalments over a maximum period of six months. Zamalek would receive a large part of the fee immediately after signing.”

Zamalek is demanding two main conditions before agreeing to Bezera’s departure. The first is that the player returns to Cairo to complete negotiations.

“The second condition is for Zamalek to gain the maximum financial benefit by receiving the $5m, in addition to a 20% sell-on clause if the player moves in the future,” the source said.

The Egyptian club also wants the UAE side to pay the 20% share owed to Bezera’s former club, Ukrainian side Oleksandria. That amount could reach $1m, while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai would also have to cover the solidarity payment.

The solidarity payment is equivalent to 5% of the transfer compensation paid for a professional player while they remain under contract. It is distributed among the clubs that contributed to the player’s training and development during their youth career.

Under those conditions, the total value of the deal would be close to $7m.

Zamalek previously rejected an offer from the UAE club, prompting Bezera to maintain his position and refuse to join the team.

Zamalek have played four matches since the start of the season without Bezera, who had not returned to Cairo.

The 44 matches he played in all competitions last season brought eight goals and 12 assists. He helped Zamalek win the Egyptian Premier League but was part of the side that lost the Confederation Cup final on penalties.