Wadi Degla make first summer move with signing of veteran midfielder Halimo from Pharco

Wadi Degla have announced the signing of experienced midfielder Mahmoud Abdel Halim, known as “Halimo”, from Pharco as their first transfer of the summer window.

The 31-year-old becomes the opening reinforcement for the Cairo club – nicknamed the Yellow and Black – as they prepare for their second consecutive season in the Egyptian Premier League.

Halimo, who plays as a central midfielder, adds top-flight experience to Mohamed El Sheikh’s squad after a career that has taken him to several Egyptian clubs.

“I am very happy with this step, and I hope to be up to the responsibility and to provide the contribution everyone is expecting from me, and to help the team achieve its objectives in the coming season,” he said after completing the move.

First summer signing for promoted side

Wadi Degla returned to the Egyptian Premier League last season and finished top of the relegation-avoidance group in their first campaign back in the top tier.

They also claimed third place in the Egypt Capital Cup (Cairo’s cup competition) in their maiden appearance in the tournament under head coach Mohamed El Sheikh.

The club see Halimo’s arrival as a key part of strengthening the squad to consolidate their status among the elite and push for further progress in domestic competitions.

Halimo has previously played for Nogoom, Smouha, Arab Contractors and Pharco, building a reputation as a hard-working, tactically disciplined midfielder with an eye for goal.

Across his league career in the Egyptian top flight, the veteran has made 139 appearances, contributing to 13 goals – scoring eight and providing five assists.

Promotions from within and departures confirmed

Alongside unveiling Halimo, Wadi Degla have also moved to promote youth talent into the first team.

The club have handed professional contracts to four academy players – Aser Hany, Mohamed Abdel Karim, Ahmed Hozein and Ahmed Ashraf – and formally elevated them to the senior squad.

However, there has also been movement in the opposite direction.

Midfielder Hisham Mohamed, forward Mahmoud Talaat and defender Hassan Hattab have all left the club, while Croatian midfielder Daniel Mikiszk (Daniel Miskic) has announced his retirement from professional football.

These changes mark a significant reshaping of the squad ahead of the new campaign, as Degla look to blend the experience of players like Halimo with the energy of emerging talents.

Pre-season begins with friendly win

Wadi Degla have already started their preparations for the new season, opening pre-season with a 3-2 friendly victory over Ghazl El Mahalla.

The early win offers encouragement for El Sheikh, who will now integrate his first summer signing into the side as they look to build momentum before competitive action resumes.

Who is Halimo?

Halimo’s rise began with Nogoom, where he featured in his only season with the club in the top flight before earning a move to Smouha in 2019.

That transfer came at the request of then-SMOUHA coach Hossam Hassan, one of Egyptian football’s most prominent managers.

Before joining Smouha, Halimo had been linked with a switch to Zamalek, one of Egypt’s most successful clubs. His name also resurfaced in transfer reports in the summer of 2021 with newly promoted Future FC, though no move materialised.

In April 2022, his progress was interrupted when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a league match against El Gouna, a serious injury that required a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Despite the setback, Halimo has continued to model aspects of his game on former Egypt and Al Ahly star Hossam Ghaly.

He has previously said: “دايما اشاهد مقاطع فيديو لحسام غالي واحاول التعلم منه، تعلمت منه الزيادة الهجومية وتسجيل الاهداف، وقدرته على روية مساحات الملعب بشكل مختلف ودقيق”.

Wadi Degla will now hope that Halimo’s experience, resilience and midfield vision can help drive the club towards a more secure and ambitious season in the Premier League.