Zamalek SC are entering the 2025–26 season with a clear strategy: blending promising academy talent,
reintegrating loanees, and targeting high-profile signings to boost their regional dominance. With coach and executive changes on the horizon, fans are eager to see how these moves might transform the squad.
1. Reinforcing Through Returnees and Academy Promises 🛡️
A notable strategy this summer involves the return of players from loan, particularly young talents groomed within the club:
Omar Faraj, the 23‑year‑old centre‑forward, will rejoin after his loan spell ends on July 31, 2025
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. Known for his physicality and finishing, Faraj offers valuable depth to Zamalek’s attacking options.
Sayed Abdallah, a 25‑year‑old right‑winger, returns on June 30, 2025
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. His pace and width will supplement the flanks.
Mohamed Salah Zaki, still just 21, also comes off loan the same day
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. An academy graduate, he can provide fresh energy and creativity on the left wing.
These returnees haven’t cost anything in transfer fees and represent smart investments in homegrown talent and low-risk short-term reinforcements.
2. Loan Spell Endings: Departures Lighten the Load
Last season saw several players leave as their loans ended:
Polish winger Konrad Michalak and left‑winger Mohamed Hamdi, along with Moroccan left‑back Mahmoud Bentayg, all returned to their parent clubs on June 30, 2025
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.
These exits trim the squad size but also create room for new arrivals.
3. Targeting Star Power: Ramos & Bushiri in Focus 🔎
Zamalek isn’t just bringing people back—they’re eyeing headline-grabbing additions:
Sergio Ramos, the legendary former Spain and Real Madrid captain, has been linked with a move to Egypt. Talks have progressed, though high wage demands remain a hurdle
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. A signing like Ramos would bring instant credibility and leadership.
Rocky Bushiri, a 25‑year‑old Congolese centre-back, has drawn interest from Zamalek. The club submitted a late bid, but Hibernian declined, wanting him to finish their season
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. Bushiri’s physicality and experience in Scotland would bolster Zamalek’s defence.
While neither deal is finalized, these links position Zamalek as an ambitious, brand‑aware club with regional aspirations.
4. Transfer Finances: Balanced Yet Ambitious 📊
According to Transfermarkt, Zamalek’s 2025–26 arrivals so far include Faraj, Abdallah, and Salah Zaki—no spending has yet been registered, though arrivals’ market value totals around €900k
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. Departures have been modest, with no major sold players. That puts the club in a net neutral financial position—undoubtedly smart given the economic constraints in Egyptian football.
If high-profile deals like Ramos or Bushiri materialize, they may come via free transfers or hidden bonuses, allowing Zamalek to stay financially prudent.
5. Strategic Fit & Squad Balance
Looking under the surface, these moves reflect careful planning:
Offensive depth: returning wingers and forwards add tactical options, vital for juggling domestic and continental competitions.
Leadership: signing someone like Ramos would inject minutes‑wise and off-field leadership—ideal for mentoring youngsters.
Defensive protection: Bushiri would bring strength at the back, reinforcing a key area if departures or dips occur.
Together, these reflect a club positioning itself to compete for the Egyptian Premier League and push further in CAF competitions.
6. Coaching Context and Urgency
Coach José Peseiro's departure in early May after underwhelming results has made the transfer window even more pivotal
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. A change in management increases pressure on new signings to deliver quickly. Fans will watch closely whether newly integrated talents can make an immediate impact.
7. What’s Next?
The remainder of the summer window, which runs until September 2025, will be decisive. Key priorities include:
Securing a strong central defender if Bushiri falls through.
Possibly adding reinforcements in midfield—an area not yet addressed.
Finalizing high-impact signings abroad if financially feasible.
Conclusion
Zamalek's upcoming window is defined by pragmatism and ambition. By reintegrating loan players, managing finances prudently, and daring to pursue global icons like Ramos or Bushiri, they’re crafting a squad ready for sustained regional success. If they balance smart, low-risk moves with a few high-reward gambles, Zamalek could emerge from this campaign revitalized—and truly “Reloaded.”