Zamalek postpone decision on renewing Moroccan star Mahmoud Bentayg’s contract

Egyptian giants Zamalek have postponed a decision on renewing the contract of Moroccan international Mahmoud Bentayg despite the club’s desire to extend his stay beyond his current deal.

Bentayg joined Zamalek in the summer of 2024 on a one-season loan from French side Saint-Étienne before the Egyptian club decided to make his move permanent.

Zamalek activated the option to purchase the left-back’s contract in March 2025 for €1 million and subsequently handed him a new three-year contract that runs until the summer of 2028.

Despite their intention to keep the Moroccan defender at the club for longer, Zamalek are not currently treating a contract extension as an immediate priority.

The club’s management is instead focusing on players whose current contracts are set to expire at the end of the ongoing season, with their renewals taking precedence.

A decision on Bentayg’s future is therefore expected to be taken at a later stage, although there is reportedly a desire within the club to reach an agreement to extend his stay.

The Moroccan left-back’s existing three-year agreement is reportedly worth around $1.65 million in total over its duration, highlighting the investment Zamalek have already made in the player.

For now, Bentayg remains tied to the Egyptian giants until 2028, with discussions over a possible extension expected to resume once the club concludes its more pressing contract negotiations.