Mustafa Maawad set for Al Ittihad Alexandria move after deal agreed with Al Wehdat

Al Ittihad Alexandria have reached an agreement with Jordanian side Al Wehdat to sign defender Mustafa Maawad, with the Egyptian expected to join Hamza El-Gamal’s squad in the coming days.

The 29-year-old is poised to sign a three-year contract with the Alexandria club, tying him to Al Ittihad until 2029, subject to final formalities.

Maawad, who can operate across the backline, is scheduled to travel to Egypt shortly to complete the move and be integrated into El-Gamal’s preparations for the new season.

Second attempt to land Maawad

Al Ittihad had previously tried to secure Maawad’s services in the January transfer window, but Al Wehdat rejected that approach and the defender remained in Jordan for the rest of the campaign.

The new agreement brings to an end a pursuit that has stretched over several months, with the player having long been on the radar of the Alexandria club, known as “Zaeem El-Thaghr”.

Maawad joined Al Wehdat in 2025 on a two-year deal running until 2027, arriving from fellow Jordanian side Al Jazeera. That contract covered the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons before Al Ittihad stepped in to negotiate his transfer.

Performances in Jordan and Asia

During the most recent season, Maawad made 33 appearances for Al Wehdat in all competitions, scoring three goals from defence.

He also featured in the AFC Champions League 2, gaining continental experience that Al Ittihad will hope he can translate into consistent performances in the Egyptian Premier League.

Before moving to Jordan, Maawad built his career in Egyptian football, turning out for Petrojet, Al Qanah and El Dakhleya, which has given him familiarity with domestic conditions and competition.

Praise from Ricardo Soares

Maawad has previously spoken about catching the eye of former Al Ahly manager Ricardo Soares, who noticed him while he was playing for Petrojet.

The defender revealed that Soares praised his display after a match between Petrojet and Al Ahly in 2022 and told him he would continue to monitor his progress.

Busy summer for Al Ittihad

Maawad’s expected arrival comes in the middle of a significant rebuild at Al Ittihad, who have already completed 17 signings so far in the current summer transfer window ahead of the new season.

The club are seeking to strengthen across the pitch under El-Gamal as they look to improve their domestic standing, with Maawad earmarked as an important addition to their defensive options once the move is finalised.