Zamalek to use Juan Bezerra transfer funds on sports teams

Zamalek will direct the proceeds from Brazilian forward Juan Bezerra’s proposed move to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai towards funding the club’s sports teams, according to the Egyptian club’s media director Maher Gharib.

Bezerra has travelled to the United Arab Emirates for a medical examination ahead of his move to the UAE Pro League side.

Gharib said the transfer would be formally announced once the player completes his medical, with the announcement expected on Thursday or Friday.

“The total value of Juan Bezerra’s transfer is $7m plus a 20% resale percentage, and there is a $1m bonus,” Gharib told ON Sport.

He explained that the bonus is dependent on the player’s performances, results, contributions and trophies, meaning the exact amount Zamalek will ultimately receive could vary.

Gharib also rejected reports that Zamalek would receive only $3m or $4m from the transfer, saying the club’s net proceeds would be around $5m after various obligations are settled.

“There remains $6m, which includes Zamalek’s dues, the agent’s resale money and sponsorship, which amounts to approximately $1m,” he said.

“What is being circulated that Zamalek will receive $3m or $4m is incorrect. This means that Zamalek will receive $5m net. Zamalek’s position has not changed, and the total deal is $7m.”

Bezerra had earlier issued an apology to Zamalek supporters and said he was prepared to accept any punishment from the club over his determination to leave during the current transfer window.

Gharib acknowledged the Brazilian’s importance to Zamalek but said the club ultimately decided to allow him to leave after he made clear that moving to Shabab Al-Ahli was a major personal ambition.

“Bezerra is an influential and important player, but he showed that he insisted on taking this step and saw this as his life’s dream, and perhaps the opportunity would not be repeated again,” Gharib said.

“Therefore, Zamalek Club saw that if the player stayed with the team, he might not perform at his best, and therefore he had to be given a chance to leave.”

The Zamalek official also sought to clarify how the transfer proceeds would be used, saying the money would not be distributed to individuals who had previously supported the club financially.

“All the money from the Juan Bezerra deal will be directed towards spending on sports teams, specifically football in the first place, and then the rest of the other sports,” he said.

Gharib added that neither Zamalek supporters nor members of the club’s board who had provided loans during previous financial difficulties would receive money from the transfer.

“I confirm that none of the Zamalek fans or Zamalek board members who provided loans during previous financial crises will receive any money from the sale of Juan Bezerra,” he said.

“The money will go to Zamalek players and sports teams only.”

Bezerra’s transfer remains subject to the completion of his medical examination before the move can be officially confirmed by the two clubs.