Hossam Abdelmaguid arrives in Bulgaria ahead of Ludogorets move

Hossam Abdelmaguid has arrived in Bulgaria with his agent Samer Salama to complete preparations for joining Ludogorets, after leaving Egyptian club Zamalek.

The defender is expected to link up with his new team’s training camp as he begins the next stage of his career in the Bulgarian top flight.

Ludogorets have made an unbeaten start to their league campaign, winning all three of their opening matches. They began with a 1-0 victory over Lokomotiv Plovdiv, followed that with a 2-0 win against Dunav Ruse, and then defeated Vratsa 2-1.

Their next Bulgarian league fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 9 August.

The move comes after Ludogorets were eliminated in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Conference League. As a result, the Bulgarian side will not take part in European competition for the first time.

Abdelmaguid leaves Zamalek after making 171 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals and providing one assist. During his time with the Cairo-based side, he won three Egyptian Premier League titles, two Egypt Cups, one CAF Super Cup and one CAF Confederation Cup.

The 24-year-old previously explained why he chose Ludogorets over offers from clubs in the Gulf region, despite those proposals being financially stronger.

“I preferred Ludogorets to the Gulf offers because it was the best and most serious option, even though the Gulf offers were stronger financially. My goal is to join a league with greater recognition, contribute to the success of my country, honour Zamalek, the club of my childhood, and pave the way for Zamalek’s young players to become professionals in Europe,” he said.

Abdelmaguid also used a message on his official Instagram account to thank Zamalek supporters following his departure. He said he remained proud of the period he had spent wearing the club’s white shirt and expressed his appreciation for the backing he had received throughout his career.

“Thank you to all Zamalek fans,” he wrote.

“From the first day I wore the Zamalek shirt, you were the true support in every moment and during every difficult time.”

“Today, as I begin a new step in my career, all I ask from you is your support and prayers, just as you have always been there for me.”

“I will always be proud that I was one of Zamalek’s sons, and your memories and support will stay with me wherever I go.”

“Thank you for all the love. May God grant success to all of us in what lies ahead.”

Abdelmaguid’s arrival in Bulgaria marks the latest move in his career after establishing himself at Zamalek and collecting domestic and continental honours with the Egyptian club. He will now prepare to join a Ludogorets squad that has started the new league season with three consecutive victories, despite its early European exit.