Basel seek trial for Ismaily teenager Mohamed Samir ‘Konta’

Basel have contacted Ismaily over a potential trial period for Mohamed Samir “Konta”, with the Swiss club considering a move for the Egypt youth international.

Konta recently helped Egypt’s youth team win the North Africa tournament and qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.

FilGoal.com understands that Basel have approached Ismaily to discuss the possibility of the midfielder spending time with the club before any decision is made on a permanent transfer.

Ismaily, however, would prefer not to send the player for a trial and are waiting for an official offer that would allow him to move directly rather than undergo an assessment period.

The 2007-born player is regarded as one of Ismaily’s key performers as the club attempt to return to the Premier League after being relegated to the Professional League.

Konta, who came through Ismaily’s youth system, can play in midfield and has established himself as an important part of the club’s plans.

Ismaily previously agreed to the departures of Ibrahim El-Nagaa to Czech side Slavia Prague and Abdel Karim Mustafa to UAE club Sharjah before the start of the current season.

Basel have a history of working with Egyptian players, most notably Mohamed Salah. The forward began his European career with the Swiss club before moving to Chelsea, then Fiorentina and Roma in Italy.

Salah later returned to the Premier League with Liverpool, where he spent nine successful years, before recently moving to Turkish side Trabzon.

Mohamed Elneny also joined Arsenal from Basel. He subsequently played for UAE club Al Jazira before recently signing for Greek side Levadiakos.

Omar Gaber and Ahmed Hamoudi have also represented Basel, although neither player enjoyed the level of success achieved by Salah and Elneny.