Ittihad Alexandria agree loan deal for ZED defender Islam Abdallah with option to buy

Ittihad Alexandria have reached an agreement to sign ZED defender Islam Abdallah on loan with an option to make the move permanent, as the club continue an extensive squad rebuild ahead of the new season under coach Hamza El-Gamal.

The deal for Abdallah has been finalised between Ittihad and ZED, with the player set to join on a temporary basis and Ittihad holding a purchase option at the end of the loan period.

Abdallah only recently returned to ZED after spending a loan spell at Al Mokawloon Al Arab, and his departure marks another change in the defensive ranks at the ambitious Cairo-based club.

Ittihad overhaul gathers pace

The capture of Abdallah adds to a busy transfer window for Ittihad Alexandria, who are reshaping their squad in an effort to strengthen all areas of the team.

Earlier in the summer, Ittihad secured the signing of Mido Mostafa from Smouha, further underlining their intent to recruit from fellow Egyptian Premier League sides.

They have also brought in Mohamed Fakhry from Pharco, adding creativity and depth in midfield, while bolstering their attacking options with striker Hossam Hassan from Modern Sport.

Defensively, Ittihad have been equally active. The club have signed right-back Moamen Awad from Haras El Hodood, and central defender Moataz Mohamed from Al Ahly on a free transfer, reinforcing a back line that came under scrutiny last season.

Zaeem El-Thaghr continue recruitment drive

Known as “Zaeem El-Thaghr”, Ittihad have pursued a clear strategy of recruiting from across the domestic league, with Abdallah the latest in a series of additions aimed at giving El-Gamal greater depth and flexibility.

The club have also completed deals for Ahmed Hamdy from Zamalek and Ahmed El-Arabi from Ghazl El Mahalla, further increasing competition for places across the pitch.

All of the new arrivals, including Abdallah, are expected to be integrated into pre-season preparations as Ittihad look to improve on their previous campaign and push for a stronger showing in the upcoming season.

While no financial details of the Abdallah agreement have been disclosed, the structure of the move – a loan with a purchase option – gives Ittihad the chance to assess the defender over the coming season before committing to a permanent transfer.