Hossam Abdelmaguid explains why he chose Ludogorets move over lucrative Gulf offers

Egypt defender Hossam Abdelmaguid says the chance to play in Europe and raise his profile internationally was the decisive factor in choosing Bulgarian champions Ludogorets over more financially attractive offers from Gulf clubs.

The centre-back joined the 14-time Bulgarian league winners from Zamalek in a deal worth €1.5m and has set his sights on using the move as a springboard to a bigger stage – and to cementing his place with the Egypt national team.

“Every player dreams of moving to Europe, and Ludogorets was the closest option for me,” Abdelmaguid told africafoot. “I see this as a good step. I have to work hard, and the rest is in God’s hands. I just have to put in the effort.”

The 23-year-old believes his time in Bulgaria can be a stepping stone to a more high-profile European league.

“In a year or a year and a half at most, I will take a much bigger step, and as I said, everything is in God’s hands,” he added.

Turning down Gulf money for European stage

Abdelmaguid confirmed he had proposals from clubs in the Gulf region but decided they did not fit his long-term ambitions, despite being more lucrative.

“I preferred Ludogorets over the Gulf offers because it was the best and most serious option, even though the Gulf offers were stronger financially,” he said.

“My goal is to join a more famous league and to contribute to the success of my country, and to honour Zamalek, the club of my childhood, and to pave the way for young Zamalek players to become professionals in Europe.”

Ludogorets, who will play in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa Conference League next season, have become regular participants in European competitions in recent years, giving Abdelmaguid a continental platform he would not have had in the Gulf.

The Razgrad club have won 14 Bulgarian league titles, lifted the Bulgarian Cup four times and claimed the Supercup on nine occasions.

Zamalek’s terms and Abdelmaguid’s record

FilGoal.com understands Zamalek insisted on receiving the full €1.5m transfer fee in a single payment upon signing the contracts, with a further €300,000 due in add-ons linked to Ludogorets winning the league or cup and qualifying for European competitions.

Abdelmaguid was promoted from Zamalek’s youth ranks to the first team in the summer of 2019 and was entering the final year of his contract, which was due to expire next summer.

During his time with the Cairo giants, he made 171 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing one assist.

He collected an impressive haul of trophies with Zamalek, winning three Egyptian Premier League titles, two Egypt Cups, the CAF Super Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.

World Cup experience and future ambitions

Abdelmaguid was part of Egypt’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, where he featured in two matches without scoring or assisting.

Egypt’s campaign ended in the last 16 following a 3-2 defeat by Argentina.

The defender revealed that his decision to move to Ludogorets was made well before the tournament, even though he did not start regularly at the World Cup.

“I made the decision to move to the team long before the World Cup,” he said. “During the tournament I was not a starter and if I had played, things might have been different, but I am working hard to develop and become a starter during the 2030 World Cup.”

Abdelmaguid now hopes that excelling with Ludogorets – particularly in European competition – will strengthen his claim to a regular starting role with Egypt and help him realise his aim of securing an even bigger move within Europe in the coming seasons.