Monsef Bakrar: Dinamo Zagreb bench Algerian striker to avoid €92,000 clause ahead of Al Ahly move

Algerian forward Monsef Bakrar was left on the bench for Dinamo Zagreb’s Champions League qualifier against Swiss side Thun to avoid triggering a financial clause linked to his former club, as he closes in on a transfer to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, according to Croatian reports.

Contract clause behind surprise omission

Bakrar, 23, did not feature in Dinamo’s 1-1 draw with Thun in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, despite earlier suggestions he would play both matches before sealing a switch to Cairo.

Croatian outlet Sportklub reported that, contrary to previous claims that Bakrar would only complete a €3m move to Al Ahly after taking part in the two ties against Thun, Dinamo decided to keep him on the bench throughout the first leg.

The report said Dinamo Zagreb would be obliged to pay $100,000 (£78,000) to Bakrar’s former club, New York City FC, if the striker reached 10 European appearances for the Croatian champions.

Bakrar has already played nine European matches for Dinamo. With his transfer to Al Ahly nearing completion, the club is understood to have decided there was no benefit in risking an extra six-figure payment to New York City FC.

Champions League campaign continues without key forward

Dinamo Zagreb were held to a 1-1 draw by Thun in the away leg of their second qualifying round tie. Bakrar was named among the substitutes but did not come on at any stage.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again on 21 and 28 July, with Dinamo attempting to navigate the early stages of Champions League qualification while simultaneously finalising the sale of one of their main attacking threats.

Bakrar joined Dinamo last summer from Major League Soccer side New York City FC, signing a contract running until 2028. In his first full season in Croatia, he made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists.

Al Ahly deal moves closer

Bakrar is now “close” to joining Al Ahly and is expected to become the Cairo club’s fourth summer signing, the reports say.

Croatian newspaper Jutarnji revealed last week that Dinamo Zagreb had reached an agreement allowing the forward to remain with the team through the two matches of the second qualifying round against Thun. However, Sportklub’s latest information indicates Dinamo have opted for a more cautious approach regarding the appearance-related clause.

FilGoal.com has learned that the Algerian striker is scheduled to link up with Al Ahly in Cairo before travelling with the squad to their pre-season camp in Spain on 6 August.

Financial details of the transfer

According to Jutarnji, the basic transfer fee agreed between Dinamo Zagreb and Al Ahly stands at €3m, with performance-related add-ons potentially taking the total value of the deal to €4m.

In addition, Dinamo Zagreb will reportedly retain a 10% sell-on clause, entitling them to a share of any future transfer fee should Bakrar be sold on by Al Ahly.

The deal, if finalised as expected, would see one of Dinamo’s most productive attackers depart after just one season in Zagreb, while giving Al Ahly a proven goalscorer as they strengthen their squad ahead of their upcoming domestic and continental campaigns.