Zamalek board member challenges Ahmed Fattouh agent over $700,000 transfer claim

Zamalek board member Ahmed Suleiman has challenged Ahmed Fattouh’s agent, Samir Salah, to reveal who allegedly asked for $700,000 to sell the Egypt international.

Salah said on the MBC Masr 2 television channel that Libyan club Ahly Benghazi had made a new offer to sign the defender, after Zamalek initially requested an increased fee.

Suleiman responded on Facebook: “Ahmed Fattouh’s agent said on the Al Laib programme that Zamalek asked for $700,000 for Fattouh’s transfer. If you have the courage, tell us who asked Zamalek for this amount in exchange for Fattouh’s transfer.”

Salah said Ahly Benghazi’s first offer was worth $500,000, but that Zamalek asked the Libyan club to raise it to $700,000.

“The Libyan club sent a new offer to Zamalek and increased it to $700,000, but Zamalek rejected it and asked for $1m to sell Fattouh,” Salah said.

“Ahly Benghazi then submitted a new offer worth $1m and is waiting for a response from Zamalek.”

Salah also said Ahly Benghazi had proposed taking Fattouh on a two-season loan for $500,000 if Zamalek were unwilling to sell him.

“Fattouh is waiting for Zamalek’s response. If Ahly Benghazi’s offer is rejected, the player will remain committed to Zamalek until the end of his contract,” he added.

Salah said Fattouh would extend his Zamalek contract by three seasons if the club agreed to the loan arrangement. The player would spend two seasons with Ahly Benghazi before returning to Zamalek.

“We are waiting for Zamalek’s official response, whether it will agree to sell or loan Ahmed Fattouh. We do not know the club’s position so far,” Salah said.

Fattouh’s contract with Zamalek expires at the end of the current season, meaning he will be able to sign for another club for free from January next year.

The 28-year-old has played in midfield in Zamalek’s recent matches, while Moroccan defender Mahmoud Bentayk has featured at left-back.

Fattouh is one of Zamalek’s captains and has made 212 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and providing 22 assists.

He has won eight trophies with Zamalek: three Egyptian League titles, three Egyptian Super Cup trophies and two Confederation Cups.