Islam Abdallah joins Al Ittihad Alexandria on loan from ZED in season-long deal with option to buy

Al Ittihad Alexandria have completed the signing of ZED defender Islam Abdallah on a season-long loan as part of their squad build-up for the new campaign under coach Hamza El Gamal.

The 23-year-old centre-back has joined the Alexandria club from ZED on a one-year loan agreement that includes an option for Al Ittihad to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

The deal was finalised after Abdallah signed his contract in the presence of Al Ittihad president Mohamed Ahmed Salama and the player’s representative, Belal Khamis.

Abdallah only recently returned to ZED following a loan spell at Al Mokawloon Al Arab, and the Cairo-based club have now sanctioned a further temporary move to give the defender the opportunity of regular first-team football.

Al Ittihad continue close-season rebuild

The arrival of Abdallah is the latest in a busy summer of recruitment for Al Ittihad Alexandria as they look to strengthen across the pitch ahead of the upcoming season.

The club have already brought in winger Mido Mostafa from Smouha, with midfielder Mohamed Fakhry joining from Pharco and striker Hossam Hassan arriving from Modern Sport.

Al Ittihad, widely known as “Zaeem El Thaghr”, have also moved to reinforce their defence and flanks. Right-back Moamen Awad has been signed from Haras El Hodood, while centre-back Moataz Mohamed has joined from Al Ahly on a free transfer.

Further additions include midfielder Ahmed Hamdy, who has completed a switch from Zamalek, and Ahmed El Araby, recruited from Ghazl El Mahalla.

Coach Hamza El Gamal and the club’s hierarchy are aiming to assemble a deeper, more competitive squad after an inconsistent campaign last term, targeting greater stability in defence and more options in attacking areas.

Abdallah will now compete for a starting place in Al Ittihad’s back line as the team continue their pre-season preparations, with the club hopeful that his performances will justify exercising the purchase option built into the loan agreement.