Oka leaves Haras El Hodoud to join ZED in £23m deal on three-year contract

M ahmoud El Arabi, known as “Oka”, has completed a move from Haras El Hodoud to ZED in a deal worth 23 million Egyptian pounds, with the winger signing a three-year contract.

The transfer is part of ZED’s plans to strengthen their squad under coach Mohamed Shawky ahead of next season, after the club secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in their history.

According to information obtained by FilGoal.com, Haras El Hodoud have agreed to sell the 23-year-old while retaining a 15% sell-on clause in any future transfer involving the player.

The move has been finalised after Oka signed his contract in the presence of his agent, Samir El Hawy. ZED are now only expected to make an official announcement confirming the deal.

Form player in the Egyptian Premier League

Oka enjoyed a standout campaign last season, appearing in 36 matches in all competitions for Haras El Hodoud.

He scored three goals and provided three assists, but his influence extended beyond direct goal contributions. Over the course of the league season, he completed 47 successful dribbles, the highest total of any player in the Egyptian Premier League.

He also ranked ninth in the division for shots on target, registering 52 efforts at goal during the league campaign.

Primarily deployed as a left winger, Oka is known for cutting inside onto his stronger right foot, a trait that contributed to his strong attacking numbers and made him one of Haras El Hodoud’s most important players last term.

Contrasting fortunes for the two clubs

The transfer comes after a difficult season for Haras El Hodoud, who were relegated to the second-tier professional league after finishing 12th in the relegation group.

In contrast, ZED ended the campaign on a high, finishing second in the relegation group with 49 points, a position that contributed to their qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.

The club’s historic first appearance in continental competition has prompted an early and targeted recruitment drive, with Oka’s signing viewed as a key part of bolstering their attacking options ahead of a demanding season domestically and in Africa.

Oka’s age and recent performances suggest ZED are investing in both immediate impact and future resale potential, a factor reflected in Haras El Hodoud’s insistence on a sell-on percentage as part of the agreement.