Zamalek set conditions for Juan Bezera exit as Shabab Al Ahli Dubai raise offer

Zamalek say they are close to securing the terms required for Juan Bezera to leave the club, after the Brazilian returned to Cairo for talks over a move following one season in Egypt.

The club’s media director, Maher Gharib, said the 22-year-old’s departure had not yet been completed, despite Bezera’s public apology and his stated desire to move on.

“All Zamalek’s conditions are close to being met before Bezera’s sale,” Gharib told Modern Sport. “This reflects the way the matter has been handled, both administratively and legally.”

Bezera has three years remaining on his contract. Gharib added that the player’s return to Cairo and his apology had provided “many positive points in Zamalek’s favour”, particularly because Bezera had asked to leave on the club’s terms.

“His departure has not officially happened yet,” he said. “I cannot say the possibility of him staying is high, but anything is possible in football. Once certain procedures are completed, his departure will become official.”

Bezera is facing a $100,000 fine under Zamalek’s regulations for being absent in recent weeks.

Gharib argued that retaining a player who is determined to leave could also create problems for the club.

“If he stayed and did not perform at his usual technical level, what would happen then?” he said. “The criticism would be that the situation had not been managed properly and that he should have left, allowing the club to benefit financially.”

He also rejected suggestions that money from the transfer would be used by members of Zamalek’s board, saying the proceeds would be directed towards the club’s sporting teams, particularly the football department.

Bezera apologises to Zamalek

Bezera apologised to Zamalek’s supporters, board, team-mates and coaching staff in a statement posted on Instagram, describing the proposed move as “an opportunity that may not come again”.

He said he had enjoyed “a wonderful season” with Zamalek and had helped the club win the Egyptian Premier League. Bezera also said he was ready to accept any disciplinary action and acknowledged the support of supporters who had chanted his name throughout the campaign.

The Brazilian said his relationship with everyone at the club remained excellent, but that he had chosen to leave because the opportunity represented a major dream for himself and his family. He said he hoped to depart while preserving his good relationship with Zamalek and would always value the club and its fans.

A Zamalek source previously said Shabab Al Ahli Dubai had increased its offer to $5m. The revised deal would be paid in instalments over a maximum of six months, with Zamalek receiving a substantial amount when the agreement was signed.

Zamalek’s conditions include Bezera returning to Cairo, receiving the full $5m and securing 20% of any future sale. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai would also have to cover the 20% owed to Bezera’s former club, Ukrainian side Oleksandria, worth up to $1m, as well as the solidarity payment.

That payment is 5% of a professional player’s transfer compensation, distributed to clubs involved in his training and development as a youth player. The total value of the deal would therefore approach $7m.

Zamalek rejected an earlier offer, prompting Bezera to maintain his stance and refuse to join the Emirati club. He has missed all four of Zamalek’s matches since the start of the season.

Bezera made 44 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and providing 12 assists. He won the Egyptian Premier League with Zamalek but lost the Confederation Cup final on penalties.