Egypt defender Hossam Abdel-Maguid has played down speculation linking him with a move to Al Ahly, saying his ambitions remain firmly focused on establishing himself in European football.
The 24-year-old moved from Zamalek to Bulgarian club Ludogorets Razgrad in July for €1.5m, leaving the Cairo club with one year remaining on his contract.
His transfer prompted suggestions that the move to Bulgaria could eventually lead to a return to Egypt, with Al Ahly reportedly among the clubs interested in strengthening their defence.
But Abdel-Maguid has rejected that interpretation of his career path, insisting that his move to Ludogorets represents an important step towards achieving his long-held ambition of playing in one of Europe’s bigger leagues.
Speaking to Egyptian channel Al-Nahar, he addressed the rumours directly.
“This talk has been circulating since I left Zamalek, and that my move to the Bulgarian league is just a bridge to move to Al-Ahly, but those who say that do not know that I have been dreaming of playing in Europe for years, and my move to Ludogorets is the key to moving to a bigger league in the near future.”
Abdel-Maguid also defended the standard of football in Bulgaria, arguing that the league can provide him with the environment needed to continue developing.
While some observers regard the Bulgarian league as being below the level of Europe’s leading competitions, the defender said his experience had shown him a different picture.
He pointed to the professional environment, the speed of the game and the level of competition as factors that can help improve his performances.
He also noted that several of his Ludogorets team-mates are attracting interest from larger European clubs, describing the Bulgarian side as an effective platform for players seeking to establish themselves in European football.
For Abdel-Maguid, the immediate objective is therefore not a return to the Egyptian league.
His priorities are to perform consistently for Ludogorets, maintain his place in the Egypt national team and eventually earn an opportunity with a more prominent European club.
He made clear that a domestic move is not currently part of his plans.
Abdel-Maguid backs Zamalek players
The defender also discussed Zamalek’s start to the Egyptian Premier League season, after his former club opened their campaign with a draw against Al-Ittihad Alexandria.
Abdel-Maguid said the team’s supporters should take into account the circumstances surrounding their preparations before judging the players.
He believes the delayed preparation affected the squad and made it difficult for the team to begin the campaign at its best.
The defender’s own arrival at Ludogorets was also delayed because of his involvement with the World Cup.
He explained that this has affected his preparations in Bulgaria and limited the amount of playing time he has been given so far.
“Because of my participation in the World Cup, my joining the Bulgarian team was delayed during the preparation period, and therefore the coach is cautious in including me and does not give me full playing minutes until I reach peak readiness.”
Abdel-Maguid said Zamalek’s players deserved patience and support, particularly because the same group had delivered success for the club in the past.
He highlighted the fact that the squad had won the league title and argued that the players should not be judged harshly because of difficulties surrounding their preparations.
He also rejected suggestions that his departure would leave a major gap in Zamalek’s defence.
According to Abdel-Maguid, the club still possesses several capable defenders who can fill the role.
He named Mahmoud Hamdy Al-Wensh, Mohamed Ismail and Ahmed Hossam among the players capable of contributing, while also highlighting the emerging El-Sayed Osama.
Support for Moataz Gamal
Abdel-Maguid also offered his backing to Moataz Gamal, whose continuation as Zamalek’s technical director has attracted attention.
The former Zamalek defender believes keeping Gamal in charge is justified because of his previous work with the squad and his knowledge of the players.
He argued that the coach’s familiarity with the team’s abilities and the club’s circumstances could prove valuable during the current period.
“Moataz was successful with us last season, and his staying is entirely justified and will be in the team’s best interest because he knows the players’ capabilities well and the club’s circumstances.”
For now, Abdel-Maguid’s message is straightforward: despite continued speculation about Al Ahly, his focus is on making the most of his opportunity abroad.
His move to Ludogorets, he says, is not a temporary route back to the Egyptian league but part of a longer-term ambition to establish himself in European football.
