Farid El Melali is on the radar of Egyptian giants Zamalek SC as the club explores options to bolster its attacking line ahead of the upcoming season.
The Algerian winger, currently nearing the end of his contract with Angers SCO, is reportedly in advanced discussions with the Cairo-based outfit, though no agreement has been finalised.
According to reports from Egyptian outlet KoraPlus, El Melali, 27, is a strong candidate for a summer move to Zamalek on a free transfer.
The former Paradou AC graduate has spent the last six years in France, having joined Angers in 2018 before a brief loan spell at Pau FC in 2022.
During the 2024–25 season, El Melali made 34 appearances for Angers, contributing three goals and seven assists—form that has piqued the interest of clubs both in Europe and across the Middle East.
El Melali’s pace, technical ability, and comfort playing on either wing have made him an appealing prospect for Zamalek, who are actively seeking to strengthen their offensive options.
However, the situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports surrounding the state of negotiations.
Some sources suggest a verbal agreement has been reached, citing figures between $900,000 and $1 million per year in salary.
Others, however, indicate that the Algerian international has not yet committed to any proposal, instead keeping his options open with potential suitors in Europe and the Gulf region.
Zamalek, for their part, appear interested but measured.
While El Melali features prominently on their shortlist of transfer targets, he is not considered a top priority.
The club is currently evaluating a pool of seven wingers as it looks to address needs on the left flank.
Complicating matters further is Zamalek’s ongoing recruitment ban, tied to unresolved contractual disputes.
The club must wait for clearance before officially registering any new signings, making any progress with El Melali speculative at best for now.
As things stand, the possibility of El Melali returning to African football remains open but far from confirmed.
The interest is real, the conversations ongoing, yet a definitive outcome continues to hang in the balance, caught between Zamalek’s ambitions, market competition, and the player’s desire to weigh all his options.
