Alexandria Union has stepped up its pursuit of former Al-Faisaly midfielder Khaled Zakaria, entering a competitive race with Saudi Arabian side Al-Orouba for the player’s signature.
The Egyptian club has increased its financial offer in an attempt to close the gap on Al-Orouba’s proposal, while Zakaria continues to assess options from both domestic and overseas clubs before deciding where he will continue his career.
Despite strong interest from abroad, the midfielder is also considering remaining in Jordan as he weighs personal and academic commitments alongside his football future.
Alexandria Union improves financial proposal
Alexandria Union first submitted an offer worth $200,000 earlier last month before improving its proposal to $275,000.
The revised bid moves the Egyptian club closer to the package put forward by Al-Orouba, which has offered $300,000 for the player.
Zakaria has not yet reached a decision and is reviewing all available options before determining his next destination.
Among the factors influencing his choice is the possibility of staying in Jordan to complete the requirements for obtaining his first university degree. The player is also considering remaining close to his wife as the couple prepare to welcome their newborn child.
Local clubs remain interested
Although the strongest financial offers have come from outside Jordan, Zakaria has also attracted attention from clubs in the domestic league.
His current club, Al-Faisaly, has presented an offer after the expiration of his five-year contract, hoping to retain one of its key players.
Al-Hussein has also expressed interest, having submitted an offer several weeks ago. However, that proposal has yet to be confirmed.
The domestic offers are valued at approximately half the amount proposed by both Alexandria Union and Al-Orouba, placing the Jordanian clubs at a financial disadvantage in the race for his signature.
Saudi package includes additional incentives
Beyond the transfer fee, Al-Orouba’s proposal contains a range of additional benefits designed to strengthen its position.
The Saudi club has included performance-related incentives worth around $100,000, significantly increasing the overall value of its package.
It has also offered special travel privileges, including airline tickets for the player’s father and mother, as well as his wife’s parents.
Those additional benefits have made the Saudi proposal the most attractive financially among the offers currently on the table.
Saudi representatives outline transfer plans
Al-Orouba has already demonstrated its determination to secure Zakaria’s services.
Approximately two weeks ago, a representative of the Saudi club travelled to Jordan, where he met the player and his agent during a working session.
The discussions focused on the club’s desire to complete the transfer after Zakaria was recommended by its technical decision-makers.
According to the club’s assessment, the midfielder possesses technical qualities that exceeded those of other foreign players under consideration, making him a priority target.
Al-Faisaly hopes to retain key player
While interest from Egypt and Saudi Arabia continues to grow, Al-Faisaly remains hopeful that Zakaria will extend his stay with the club.
The Jordanian side is preparing to return to the Asian Club Championships after finishing as runners-up to league champions Al-Hussein.
Retaining Zakaria would provide a significant boost to the squad as it prepares for continental competition, although the midfielder’s future now appears to depend on balancing sporting ambitions with financial, academic and family considerations before making his final decision.
